Screening of Fungal Microbiome to Identify Potential Polyethylene Degrading Fungi

Use of plastics for many day to day applications has replaced traditional materials like glass or metal. Among the five most common plastics, i.e., Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and High-density polyethylene (HDPE), all forms of polyethylene are used in packaging and production of different products like shopping bags, food wrappers, water bottles etc. essentially used in day to day life. Thermoplastics unlike thermosets are used extensively as they can be recycled again with reheating process and hence cost effective. Aggregation of this on landfill area due to its natural resistance to degradation affects soil fertility by resisting penetration of water and air into the earth. Various procedures and techniques exist to manage plastic waste, yet natural bioremediation is broadly an acknowledged eco-accommodating strategy. In the current investigation, nineteen different fungal strains were screened with different types of polyethylene materials (powders and beads of HDPE, LDPE & LLDPE) to determine their potential of biodegradation. Degradation of polyethylene material was determined by observing the zone of clearance and weight reduction. Results indicated ten fungal strains to be potential in degrading polyethylene which could be considered promising to be used for sustainable plastic waste management.