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Potential Use of the Fungus Trichoderma sp. as a Plastic-Reducing Agent and Electricity Generator in Microbial Fuel Cells
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This study investigated whether the fungus Trichoderma sp. could reduce plastic mass and generate electricity in a microbial fuel cell system. Results indicated the fungus has limited plastic-degrading ability but shows potential as a bio-electrochemical component.
The mismanagement of plastic waste, organic waste, and the shortage of electricity in remote villages has created significant challenges for industries and governments. Therefore, this research aims to utilize the fungus Trichoderma sp. as a catalyst in microbial fuel cells, where the novelty of the research is the generation of electricity and the degradation of plastic simultaneously. In this study, single-chamber microbial fuel cells were constructed using carbon (anode) and zinc (cathode) electrodes. The substrate consisted of 20 gr of potato waste and 1.5 × 1.5 cm samples of plastic waste, all combined in 390 mL of Bushnell broth, into which Trichoderma sp. was inoculated. The highest electrical readings were recorded on day 23, showing values of 5.648 ± 0.093 mA and 0.479 ± 0.025 V. On the same day, the pH level was measured at 7.046 ± 0.314, and the substrate’s electrical conductivity was found to be 155.135 ± 2.569 mS/cm. Over the 45-day monitoring period, the chemical oxygen demand decreased by 78.67%. The microbial fuel cells achieved a maximum power density of 68.140 ± 2.418 mW/cm2 at a current density of 4.719 mA/cm2, with an internal resistance of 23.647 ± 1.514 Ω. Analysis of the plastic using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) revealed a decrease in the intensity of spectral bands associated with hydroxyl groups, C-H structural groups, methyl groups, and C=C bonds. Additionally, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) images demonstrated a reduction in the thickness of the plastic film and the formation of voids and sheets, highlighting the potential of Trichoderma sp. for plastic degradation.
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Electricity Generation and Plastic Waste Reduction Using the Fungus Paecilomyces as a Biodegrader in Microbial Fuel Cells
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Researchers demonstrated that the fungus Paecilomyces can simultaneously generate electricity and break down plastic waste in microbial fuel cells. The system produced measurable voltage and current while reducing chemical oxygen demand by over 85%, and infrared spectroscopy confirmed degradation of the plastic material, suggesting a dual-purpose approach to waste reduction and energy generation.
Sustainable Use of the Fungus Aspergillus sp. to Simultaneously Generate Electricity and Reduce Plastic through Microbial Fuel Cells
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Researchers investigated using the fungus Aspergillus sp. as a substrate in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to simultaneously generate electricity and degrade polyethylene plastic over 45 days. The MFCs reached peak values of 0.572 V and 3.608 mA on day 31, achieved 73.77% chemical oxygen demand reduction, and FTIR analysis showed a measurable reduction in characteristic polyethylene C-H peaks alongside visible surface perforations in the plastic.
Fungifuels: Polyethylene Decomposition and Electricity Generation with Aspergillus ochraceopetaliformis in Microbial Fuel Cell Systems
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This study evaluated Aspergillus ochraceopetaliformis in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for simultaneous polyethylene biodegradation and bioelectricity generation, achieving a maximum voltage of 0.921 V and power density of 0.148 mW/cm² on day 26. FTIR analysis confirmed structural modifications in treated polyethylene, and MFCs connected in series successfully powered an LED bulb at 2.78 V, demonstrating the feasibility of using this fungus for integrated plastic waste management and energy generation.
Using dual chamber microbial fuel cells for coupled microplastic biodegradation and bioelectricity production: assessing the effect of substrate
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Researchers investigated using dual-chamber microbial fuel cells to simultaneously biodegrade PET microplastics and generate bioelectricity. The study found that microbial consortia in the fuel cell setup could break down microplastics while producing usable electrical energy, offering a potentially sustainable approach to microplastic remediation in wastewater treatment.
Degradation ability of Trichoderma spp. in the presence of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) microparticles
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Researchers found that the soil fungus Trichoderma can partially break down PBAT, a popular biodegradable plastic, by detecting the breakdown product terephthalic acid after exposure. However, the presence of microplastics reduced the fungus's ability to degrade common agricultural pesticides. This suggests that microplastic contamination in soil could interfere with natural pollution cleanup processes carried out by beneficial soil microorganisms.
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