We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A comparative study on biodegradation of low density polyethylene bags by a Rhizopus arrhizus SLNEA1 strain in batch and continuous cultures
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated the fungus Rhizopus arrhizus from an Algerian landfill and showed it can degrade low-density polyethylene films as a sole carbon source, achieving up to 29.74% weight loss in continuous culture and producing visible surface cracking and new chemical functional groups detectable by SEM and FTIR.
Biodegradation poses a challenge for environmentalists and scientific community, offering a potential solution to the plastic waste problem. This study aims to investigate the biological degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags by a fungus in both batch and continuous cultures, with the goal of identifying an eco-friendly and cost-effective waste management strategy. The fungal strain Rhizopus arrhizus SLNEA1, isolated from a landfill located in northeastern Algeria, was tested for its capability to degrade LDPE films and utilize them as a sole carbon source in batch (α-LDPE) and continuous (γ-LDPE) cultures. The results indicated a higher rate of weight loss for γ-LDPE (29.74%) compared to α-LDPE (23.77%). The biodegradation effect was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) to evaluate morphological and chemical changes in LDPE samples, highlighting alterations of LDPE films through cracks, veins and holes under SEM and chemical transformation and appearance of new functional groups in the FTIR data. Rhizopus arrhizus SLNEA1 demonstrated the ability to break down and utilize LDPE films as a carbon source. This isolate shows promise for LDPE biodegradation applications, which may be leveraged for the development of future plastic degradation systems involving fungi.
More Papers Like This
In Vitro and Ex Situ Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene by a Rhizopus sp. Strain Isolated from a Local Dumpsite in North-East Algeria
AI summary Read the abstract
A Rhizopus sp. fungal strain isolated from an Algerian landfill was tested for its ability to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags in laboratory conditions. The fungus reduced the weight and altered the surface structure of LDPE samples over time, indicating partial biodegradation. Landfill environments may harbor fungi with potential for plastic bioremediation applications.
Biodegradation of Low Density Polyethylene by the Fungus Cladosporium sp. Recovered from a Landfill Site
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers demonstrated that the fungus Cladosporium sp., isolated from a landfill site, can biodegrade low-density polyethylene, showing measurable weight loss and surface structural changes in treated plastic films over the incubation period.
Low-Density Polyethylene Film Biodegradation Potential by Fungal Species from Thailand
AI summary Read the abstract
Thirty fungal species from Thailand were screened for low-density polyethylene biodegradation ability, with several showing measurable weight loss and surface modification of PE films over a 90-day incubation period, and Aspergillus and Trichoderma species among the most effective degraders, supporting further development of fungal-based plastic bioremediation.
Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by Aspergillus niger
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the ability of Aspergillus niger isolated from landfill soil to biodegrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) under varying conditions of pH, temperature, and carbon and nitrogen sources. FTIR and GC-MS analysis of degradation metabolites confirmed the fungus's capacity to break down LDPE, with all samples showing fungal colonization and metabolic activity in LDPE-containing mineral salt medium.
Rapid Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Without Pre-Treatment by Bacillus Strains Isolated from Garbage Dumpsites
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated five Bacillus strains from garbage dump sites in Bangladesh and demonstrated their ability to degrade untreated low-density polyethylene films without pre-treatment, achieving 16–26% weight loss and surface erosion confirmed by microscopy and FTIR, with two strains representing previously undocumented LDPE degraders.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.