Assessment of biodegradability of PVC containing cellulose by white rot fungus
- Author:
Fakhrul, H., Fazal A
;
Farooq R
;
Sohaib R
;
Abdul G
;
Muhammad S
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
Tetrahydrofuran (THF);
white rot fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium)
- From:Malaysian Journal of Microbiology
2014;10(2):119-125
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Aims: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most widely used and environmentally damaging plastic. Processing, production
and disposal of PVC cause release of toxic chlorine based compounds into environment. The objective of the present
study was to assess the biodegradability of cellulose blended PVC by white rot fungi i.e. Phanerochaete chrysosporium.
Methodology and results: Biodegradability of the strain for the polymer was tested on plate assay, sturm test, soil
burial and shake flask experiments. The biodegradability of the polymer was determined by visual changes, plate assay
and carbon dioxide production. Morphological changes in the polymer such as pits, extensive spotting, clear surface
erosion, fungal attachment, roughening and deterioration of some parts were observed using scanning electron
microscopy. Chemical changes like appearance and shortening of peaks using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
also confirmed the biodegradability of the polymer.
Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The present study confirmed that mixing of small amount of cellulose
increases the hydrophilicity of the polymer and lead to its microbial degradation and Phanerochaete chrysosporium has
great potential for the treatment of solid waste containing plastics.
- Full text:P020150528598096860110.pdf
