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Biodeterioration of low-density polyethylene microplastics by dark septate endophytic fungi supported by mass loss and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy evidence
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This study demonstrated that dark septate endophytic fungi can biologically degrade low-density polyethylene microplastics in minimal-nutrient conditions, with mass loss and chemical changes confirmed by FTIR and scanning electron microscopy. The findings point toward a fungal bioremediation pathway for persistent plastic pollution in agricultural soils, where LDPE microplastics are increasingly accumulating.
Soil contamination by microplastics is an increasing environmental concern due to the high persistence of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). This study investigated the biodeterioration of LDPE microplastics by dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi in a minimal salt medium, with LDPE provided as the...
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