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Utilization of disposable face masks for cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom as a strategy for reducing environmental plastic pollution
Summary
Researchers tested whether Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms could be cultivated using disposable face masks as a carbon source, finding optimal biological efficiency at 75% mask composition but detecting signs of microplastic contamination in the resulting mushrooms. This highlights that while bioconversion offers a promising route for mask waste, the potential transfer of microplastic fibers into the food chain remains a serious concern.
Management of disposable face mask (FM) used as personal protective equipment against transmission of COVID-19 has emerged as one of the key issues of COVID-19 pandemic. Disposable FM is a potential source of microplastic fibers in the environment. In this study, FM as carbon source for the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom was investigated in the attempt to reduce plastic build up in the environment due to its disposal. Growth substrate was prepared using FM as sole and/or partial carbon source varied with mahogany wood shavings (MWS) at 25, 50, 75, and 100% composition (wt/wt). Visual sorting under stereo microscope to detect presence or absence of microplastics in the mushrooms produced was conducted. Shortest spawn run (26 days) was recorded in MWS:FM 100:0 and optimum number of fruiting bodies (28) was achieved at MWS:FM 75:25; while, optimal fruiting body (fresh weight) (71 g), biological efficiency (88.8%), and proximate outputs (except carbohydrate) were achieved at MWS:FM of 25:75. The features of mushroom produced from MWS:FM 0:100 through visual sorting were suggestive of microplastics pollution. This study demonstrated the ability of P. ostreatus to utilize disposable FM as growth substrate for its production.