PJB-2024-612
Effect of fungi on degradation of polymers isolated from dumpsites with reference to SEM analysis
Iqra Bashir
Abstract
The efficiency of biodegradation by fungal species found in soil depends on a number of factors such as chemical and biological agents along with particular enzymes involved in the degradation of the polymer. The present study aims to identify fungal species found in soil responsible for degradation of polyethylene polystyrene, and polyurethane when treated separately with the drench and mulching methods, having sterilized and unsterilized methods. Fungi isolated are Aspergillus flavus, A. oryzae, A niger, Penicillium decumbens, P. frequentans, P. rubrum, P. expansum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium solani. The species decomposed the polymers by mulching and drenching methods. The polystyrene degradation was quite more than the other polymers in drench methods mostly. Most of the fungal species had weight loss up to 50 % of polystyrene in case of drench methods. The fungus Aspergillus flavus showed highest weight loss in case of unsterilized drench method. Three fungal species exceeded 50% weight loss of polyurethane in an unsterilized drench method. Another species A. niger has the similar weight loss of the polymer in sterilized drench method. In this study, polyethylene showed the least form of fungal degradation other than polystyrene and polyurethane. Aspergillus flavus and A. niger reduced the weight loss of polyethylene only in sterilized drench method. The SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) images of degraded polymer samples revealed the formation of spores, hyphae, cracks, and crevices on their surfaces.
To Cite this article:
Not Recommended
We Welcome Latest Research Articles In Field Of Botany The Pakistan Journal of Botany is an international journal .... Read More
