2.1 Screening and isolation of polylactide degrading microorganisms In order to isolate PLA degrading microorganisms, the compost samples were inoculated into basal medium containing PLA film (2x4cm) as a sole carbon source. The samples were incubated atmesophilic (37°C) temperatures understatic conditions or 25 days. The degradation of PLA film was analyzed based on a) Weight loss of PLA film b) Total organic carbon (TOC) c) Drop in the pH of the medium. 2