We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biodegradation of polyethylene by indigenous fungi from waste recycling site, South West, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated fungi from a Nigerian plastic dumpsite and found that Aspergillus nidulans, Eurotium repens, and Penicillium chrysogenum can break down polyethylene plastic, causing measurable weight loss and chemical changes in the plastic. These naturally occurring fungi could offer a cheap, eco-friendly method for managing plastic waste in developing countries.
Abstract Background Indiscriminate disposal of polyethylene materials has become a regular practice among developing nations of Africa, especially in Nigeria. This has resulted in environmental pollution; hence, this study investigates the microbial degradation of polyethylene obtained from a polyethylene dumpsite in South West, Nigeria, under static in vitro condition. Soil samples were analysed for mineral composition and physicochemical characteristics. The fungal isolates were screened for polyethylene degradation using minimal salt medium containing polyethylene as sole source of carbon and nitrogen for their ability to degrade polyethylene. Gravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to monitor the biodegradation of the polyethylene. Results Aspergillus flavus , A. nidulans , Penicillium chrysogenum , Mucor mucedo , Eurotium repens , A. fumigatus and Rhizopus stolonifer were enumerated. Mean microbial count ranged from 1.37 × 10 7 to 8.2 × 10 8 SFU/g. Individual weight loss was observed in the polyethylene strip cultured with P. chrysogenum (1%), E. repens (1%) and A. nidulans (2%). The changes observed in the FTIR spectra especially the polyethylene sample inoculated with A. nidulans confirm the significant role of fungi in polyethylene degradation. Hence, its usage in the treatment of polyethylene in the environment is a cheap eco-friendly alternative. Conclusion Aspergillus nidulans , E. repens and P. notatum play significant roles in the biodegradation of polyethylene which necessitates incorporating in polyethylene products waste management to foster a cleaner environment.
More Papers Like This
Screening of Fungal Isolates for Biodegradation Potentials of Low-Density Polyethylene from Selected Dumpsites
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers screened fungi isolated from soil at Nigerian waste dump sites for their ability to degrade low-density polyethylene plastic, identifying candidate species for potential use in bioremediation. Fungal biodegradation of common plastics like LDPE could help address plastic waste in environments with poor waste management infrastructure.
Exploring Fungi-mediated Biodegradation Pathway of Polymers in Environmental Systems(Dump Sites)
AI summary Read the abstract
This study explored how fungi found at waste dump sites can break down plastic polymers including nylon bags. Species such as Aspergillus niger were identified and showed some capacity for polymer degradation, suggesting potential use in plastic bioremediation.
Biodegradation of Plastics by Fungi
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how fungi — including naturally occurring species found in soil and marine environments — can break down common plastic polymers including polyethylene under low-nutrient conditions. Laboratory evidence suggests some fungal species can degrade plastic pellets, reducing their mass and size, offering a potentially cheaper and more ecologically compatible alternative to industrial plastic disposal methods. Scaling up fungal biodegradation remains a challenge, but the findings suggest microbes could play a significant role in reducing environmental microplastic accumulation over time.
Assessment of Microplastic Degrading Potential of Fungal Isolates from an Estuary in Rivers State, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists from Nigeria tested whether fungi isolated from an estuary could degrade different types of microplastic particles, finding that several fungal species caused measurable weight loss and surface changes in the plastics. This adds to evidence that environmental fungi have the potential to break down plastic pollution biologically.
Determination of Biodegradation Potential of Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Acremonium sclerotigenum on Polyethylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate, and Polystyrene Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the ability of three fungal species to biodegrade polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene microplastics over 30 days. Aspergillus niger showed the strongest degradation of polyethylene with 16% weight loss, while other fungi performed better on different plastic types. The study demonstrates that fungal biodegradation is a promising approach for breaking down common microplastics, as confirmed by visible surface changes and chemical alterations in the treated plastics.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.