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Biodegradation of Low Density Polyethylene by the Fungus Cladosporium sp. Recovered from a Landfill Site
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Researchers demonstrated that the fungus Cladosporium sp., isolated from a landfill site, can biodegrade low-density polyethylene, showing measurable weight loss and surface structural changes in treated plastic films over the incubation period.
Low density polyethylene (LDPE) has been widely used commercially for decades; however, as a non-degradable material, its continuous accumulation has contributed to serious environmental issues. A fungal strain, Cladosporium sp. CPEF-6 exhibiting a significant growth advantage on MSM-LDPE (minimal salt medium), was isolated and selected for biodegradation analysis. LDPE biodegradation was analyzed by weight loss percent, change in pH during fungal growth, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Inoculation with the strain Cladosporium sp. CPEF-6 resulted in a 0.30 ± 0.06% decrease in the weight of untreated LDPE (U-LDPE). After heat treatment (T-LDPE), the weight loss of LDPE increased significantly and reached 0.43 ± 0.01% after 30 days of culture. The pH of the medium was measured during LDPE degradation to assess the environmental changes caused by enzymes and organic acids secreted by the fungus. The fungal degradation of LDPE sheets was characterized by ESEM analysis of topographical alterations, such as cracks, pits, voids, and roughness. FTIR analysis of U-LDPE and T-LDPE revealed the appearance of novel functional groups associated with hydrocarbon biodegradation as well as changes in the polymer carbon chain, confirming the depolymerization of LDPE. This is the first report demonstrating the capacity of Cladosporium sp. to degrade LDPE, with the expectation that this finding can be used to ameliorate the negative impact of plastics on the environment.
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Cladosporium cladosporioides (strain Clc/1): a candidate for low-density polyethylene degradation
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Researchers isolated 47 fungal strains from plastic debris collected in the field and tested their ability to break down low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic, finding that only one strain, Cladosporium cladosporioides, visibly degraded the plastic surface after 90 days. Using a combination of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, they confirmed early-stage chemical breakdown of the plastic, suggesting this common environmental fungus has potential for biological plastic degradation.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film degradation potential of marine fungi isolated from microplastics, beach sand, and coastal seawater
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Researchers collected fungi from beach sand, seawater, and microplastic pieces in Kuşadası, Turkey, then tested them on plastic (LDPE) film in the lab. One fungus, Cladosporium sp., caused the most weight loss and visible surface changes in the plastic after 45 days, suggesting it may break down this plastic type.
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.
Effect of Fungi Isolated from Different Plastic Polluted Sites on Low Density Polyethylene Material Degradation with Reference to SEM Analysis
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Fungi isolated from plastic-polluted environments were tested for their ability to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a common packaging plastic, under laboratory conditions. Microscopic analysis confirmed surface degradation, suggesting that naturally occurring fungi from contaminated sites may have enhanced plastic-degrading ability.
Low-Density Polyethylene Film Biodegradation Potential by Fungal Species from Thailand
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Thirty fungal species from Thailand were screened for low-density polyethylene biodegradation ability, with several showing measurable weight loss and surface modification of PE films over a 90-day incubation period, and Aspergillus and Trichoderma species among the most effective degraders, supporting further development of fungal-based plastic bioremediation.
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