Application of fungal microorganisms for the in vitro degradation of synthetic polymers

Cabrera J.P.G.; Torres R.C.; Flores A.G.; Quispe P.R.; Valdiviezo-Gonzales L. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2022) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2022.1.1.155

Resumen

The present study evaluated the application of 6 fungal microorganisms in the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), both in pellet form. The fungal microorganisms evaluated were: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus Aspergillus niger, Fusarium culmorum, Penicillium italicum, Pycnoporus sanguineus, isolated from different sources (leaves, fruits, agricultural soil, and vegetables). While, Pleurotus ostreatus was also provided by the Universidad Nacional Agraria la Molina (UNALM). The degradative capacity of the fungi was evaluated in two stages. The first was carried out in an incubator for a period of 46 days at 26°C using an artisanal culture medium (Potato Dextrose Agar, PDA). The highest degradation percentages of 2.85 % and 1.83% were achieved with Fusarium culmorum on HDPE and LDPE, respectively, followed by Pycnoporus sanguineus with 2.16% on HDPE and 1.73% on LDPE. These results were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), hyphae development, micelle formation, as well as cracks and striations on the surface of the plastic were observed. In a second stage, both fungi and polymers were evaluated for a period of 4 months, and a higher percentage of mass reduction was produced with Fusarium culmorum with values of 6.24% for HDPE and 7.81% for LDPE. The biodegradation of both polymers was evidenced, and further research is needed to improve efficiency by optimizing parameters such astime, temperature, and culture medium.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina; Universidad Tecnológica del Perú; Universidad César Vallejo