Abstrakt

Biodegradation of Plastics by Gleophyllum Sepiarium and Pleurotus Ostreatus Isolated from Wood

Oyeleke SB, Abioye OP and Aja KB

Gleophyllum sepiarium and Pleurotus ostreatus isolated from trees and window woods were tested for their ability to degrade plastic granules in minimal salt medium using weight loss, CO2 evolution and mycelia extension as indicators. The results revealed that P. ostreatus degraded plastic bags and plastic granules by 5% and 2%, respectively; while G. sepiarium recorded 3%and 1%degradation, respectively. The results of CO2 evolution indicated 31.4 dm3 and 22.4 dm3 CO2 evolution in sample inoculated with P. ostreatus while 22.4 dm3 and 17.9 dm3 were recorded in plastic bag and plastic granules inoculated with G. sepiarium, respectively. The results of the study demonstrated the ability of P. ostreatus and G. sepiarium to partially degrade plastic bags better than plastic granules.