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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research

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

  1. Supriya Department of biotechnology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut
  2. Pradeep Kumar Department of biotechnology Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut

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

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