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Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by Aspergillus niger
Summary
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.
The current study focused on the ability of Aspergillus niger to biodegrade low-density polyethylene, while studying some of the factors affecting the biodegradation process, including pH and temperature. Samples were collected from the soil of the waste landfill (sanitary landfill) of Dhi Qar Governorate, located 20 kilometers south of the center of the governorate, and using the dilution method. The genus Aspergillus niger had the highest appearance rate, reaching 100%, as it appeared in all samples, and the colony diameters in the solid medium were calculated. The fungus showed the ability to adapt and grow in the medium containing low-density polyethylene, with the a concentration of (0.1, 0.5, 1)%, and temperature of (15, 25, 35) ᵒC, also pH (2, 4, 6), and the addition of a carbon source of glucose, maltose and a nitrogen source (NH4Cl, NaNo3), the decomposition metabolites and the remaining concentration were identified by using Fourier – transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Gas – Mass Spectroscopy, and later a confirmatory test was conducted to determine the ability of Aspergillus niger to biodegrade low-density polyethylene in the medium of mineral salts.