waste management – Page 3

Efficient conversion of tea residue nutrients: Screening and proliferation of edible fungi

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This research demonstrates how edible mushrooms can be used to convert tea waste into nutritious fungal protein. By culturing six different mushroom species on tea residue, scientists found that Monascus kaoliang B6 was most effective at breaking down the tough plant fibers and converting them into edible mushroom biomass. This sustainable process eliminates the need for harsh chemicals while producing a protein-rich ingredient that could be used to make plant-based meat alternatives, turning an agricultural waste product into a valuable food ingredient.

Identification of novel polyethylene-degrading fungi from South African landfill soils: Arthrographis kalrae, Lecanicillium coprophilum, and Didymosphaeria variabile

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Researchers in South Africa discovered three previously unknown fungi that can break down plastic waste, particularly low-density polyethylene used in shopping bags. These fungi were isolated from landfill soils and showed the ability to degrade plastic strips through oxidative processes, with chemical changes detectable using advanced analysis techniques. This discovery offers hope for developing local, biologically-based solutions to South Africa’s serious plastic waste problem.

Diversity of Culturable Fungi in Two-Phase Olive Mill Waste, a Preliminary Evaluation of Their Enzymatic Potential, and Two New Trichoderma Species

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Scientists discovered 31 different fungal species living in olive mill waste, including two previously unknown species. These fungi have the ability to break down tough plant materials and remove harmful dyes from waste, making them useful for cleaning up environmental pollution. This research suggests these fungi could be used to transform olive oil production waste into useful products, supporting a circular economy.

Development of a consortium-based microbial agent beneficial to composting of distilled grain waste for Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation

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Scientists developed a special mix of five beneficial bacteria found in grain waste composting to speed up the process of preparing grain waste as growing substrate for oyster mushrooms. This microbial treatment made the composting hotter and faster, allowing oyster mushroom roots to grow quicker on the substrate. While the final mushroom harvest was similar in quantity, using this microbial treatment allowed farmers to harvest mushrooms about a week earlier. This method offers a practical way to recycle grain waste into valuable mushroom crops.

Extracted Spent Coffee Grounds as a Performance-Enhancing Additive for Poly(Lactic Acid) Biodegradable Nursery Bags in Agriculture

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This research developed eco-friendly nursery bags by combining biodegradable plastic (PLA) with leftover coffee grounds. The coffee grounds, which would otherwise be waste, improve the plastic’s flexibility and help it break down faster in soil. The resulting bags protect plant roots from sunlight while safely degrading in the environment within a few months, offering farmers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic bags.

Development and Characterization of Mycelium-Based Composite Using Agro-Industrial Waste and Ganoderma lucidum as Insulating Material

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Researchers developed an eco-friendly insulation material using mushroom mycelium (Ganoderma lucidum) combined with waste plant materials from Colombia: Arboloco pith and grass clippings. The resulting material is lightweight, thermally efficient, and comparable to commercial insulators like expanded polystyrene. However, the material shrinks significantly and absorbs water when exposed to moisture, so additional treatments are needed before it can be widely used in buildings.

Phytostabilization of Heavy Metals and Fungal Community Response in Manganese Slag under the Mediation of Soil Amendments and Plants

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This research shows that adding spent mushroom compost and a mineral amendment called attapulgite to contaminated mining waste, combined with planting a hardy tree species, significantly reduces heavy metal pollution. The tree and amendments work together by improving soil quality and promoting beneficial fungi that help stabilize harmful metals in the soil, preventing them from leaching into groundwater and surrounding ecosystems.

Impact of bottom ash addition on Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation on coffee ground substrate

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This study investigated growing oyster mushrooms on a mixture of used coffee grounds and coal plant bottom ash. The researchers found that adding small amounts of bottom ash (1-5%) slowed mushroom growth slightly but actually reduced harmful heavy metals in the final mushrooms compared to using only coffee grounds. The leftover substrate after mushroom harvest could be used as a fertilizer for poor soils, creating a complete recycling system that turns industrial and food waste into useful products.

Research Keyword: waste management