Biodegradation of Plastic Waste Using Various Fungal Isolates from Plastic-Polluted Sites in Meerut: Analysis of Polymers and Composites

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 01 | Page : 184 197
    By

    Supriya,

  • Pradeep Kumar,

  1. Student, Department of biotechnology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of biotechnology Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

By isolating microorganisms from a dumpsite containing low-density polyethylene (LDPE), the potential for microbial decomposition of plastic waste was studied. Four different strains of Aspergillus niger (fungus) were identified and used to biodegrade plastic waste. The isolated fungal strains included Aspergillus niger, Alternaria, A. fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. luchuensis. Predominant fungal strains, Aspergillus niger and Alternaria, were selected for polyethylene degradation under laboratory conditions. In a controlled shaker culture, the efficiency of the breakdown of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and various polymer composites commonly used in plastic products was investigated over an 8-week period. Biodegradation was assessed through mean weight loss and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The study revealed a weight loss of approximately 14.3% to 28.57% after 8 weeks. Specifically, the total weight loss after 60 days was 14.3% for Alternaria sp. and 28.57% for Aspergillus niger. The findings suggest that both Alternaria sp. and Aspergillus niger possess the ability to degrade plastics, including various polymer composites. Notably, Aspergillus niger demonstrated superior efficiency in plastic degradation compared to Alternaria sp. This study highlights the potential of using fungal strains for the biodegradation of LDPE and composite polymers, contributing to more effective plastic waste management strategies.

Keywords: Polythene, biodegradable polymers, microorganisms, enzymes, heterotrophic fungi.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

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How to cite this article:
Supriya, Pradeep Kumar. Biodegradation of Plastic Waste Using Various Fungal Isolates from Plastic-Polluted Sites in Meerut: Analysis of Polymers and Composites. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2024; 13(01):184-197.
How to cite this URL:
Supriya, Pradeep Kumar. Biodegradation of Plastic Waste Using Various Fungal Isolates from Plastic-Polluted Sites in Meerut: Analysis of Polymers and Composites. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2024; 13(01):184-197. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2024/view=187199


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 01
Received 16/08/2024
Accepted 07/09/2024
Published 04/12/2024
657

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