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Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by Aspergillus niger
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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.
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This study assessed the ability of two Aspergillus species—A. niger and A. oryzae—to biodegrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) strips in minimal salt medium over multiple incubation periods. A. oryzae showed greater degradation efficiency (up to 10.22% weight loss), while SEM imaging confirmed fungal colonization and surface erosion including folds, grooves, and cracks in the plastic material.
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Fungal isolates from municipal waste disposal soil—predominantly Aspergillus species—degraded low-density polyethylene films by up to 46.57% within 45 days through lipase, esterase, and laccase enzyme activity. Identifying waste-site fungi capable of degrading LDPE advances bioremediation strategies for one of the most abundant plastic types that breaks down into environmental microplastics.
Minimal Conditions to Degrade Low Density Polyethylene by Aspergillus terreus and niger
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Researchers demonstrated that Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus niger can degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) under minimal nutritional conditions using only LDPE and sucrose as carbon sources, achieving up to 30% weight loss without requiring co-substrates or photothermal pretreatment.
Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene by Native Aspergillus Strains Isolated from Plastic-Contaminated Soil
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This study isolated three Aspergillus strains (A. niger, A. ochraceopetaliformis, and A. tamarii) from plastic-contaminated soils in Trujillo, Peru, and evaluated their ability to biodegrade LDPE strips over 50 days in vitro. A. niger H1C showed the greatest weight reduction (4.25%) with a polymer half-life of 897.89 days, while FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed structural modifications indicating oxidative and enzymatic activity, representing the first report of A. ochraceopetaliformis and A. tamarii in LDPE biodegradation.
In Vitro and Ex Situ Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene by a Rhizopus sp. Strain Isolated from a Local Dumpsite in North-East Algeria
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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.
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