MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Degradation of Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic by Pleurotus ostreatus

Summary

This research demonstrates how oyster mushrooms can break down biodegradable plastic bags without requiring pre-treatment like UV exposure or heat. The findings show a promising natural solution for plastic waste management. Impacts on everyday life: • Offers an eco-friendly way to dispose of biodegradable plastic bags • Could reduce plastic waste in landfills through mushroom-based composting • Demonstrates potential for combining waste management with mushroom production • Provides a natural alternative to chemical plastic degradation methods • Could lead to development of better plastic waste management systems

Background

Growing concerns about plastic waste accumulation’s environmental impact have led to biodegradable plastic development. These plastics can be degraded by microorganisms and absorbed by the environment, gaining public support as an alternative to petroleum-derived plastics. Oxo-biodegradable polymers are used to produce plastic bags that can be broken down by UV light or heat exposure, making them easier for microorganisms to degrade.

Objective

To test the capability of Pleurotus ostreatus to degrade oxo-biodegradable (D2W) plastic without prior physical treatment such as UV exposure or thermal heating, and to evaluate mushroom formation using this plastic as substrate.

Results

After 45 days of incubation, the oxo-biodegradable plastic developed cracks and small holes in the plastic surface due to hydroxyl groups and carbon-oxygen bonds formation. These alterations were attributed to laccase enzyme activity. The study observed degradation of dyes in the bags and successful mushroom formation. P. ostreatus showed growth and colonization on the plastic surface without requiring prior physical treatment.

Conclusion

P. ostreatus successfully degraded oxo-biodegradable plastic and produced mushrooms using plastic waste without prior physical treatment. This presents a new alternative for treating domestic and industrial plastic waste through composting with white rot fungi.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069386
Scroll to Top