Effect of Palmitic Acid in the Acceleration of Polyethylene Biodegradation by Aspergillus oryzae

Abstract

The biodegradation of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by Aspergillus oryzae was examined in the current study. The optimal temperature, pH, favorable carbon and nitrogen sources for organism growth were determined. A comparative study of degradation in surface sterilized and palmitic acid treated polyethylenes was done to learn the effect of the surfactant fatty acid on the polymer. The films degraded by Aspergillus oryzae strain were analyzed by weight loss, FTIR, SEM studies and degree of water absorption (swelling index). The organism showed 33% weight loss of black coloured HDPE and 40% weight loss of green coloured LDPE in 90 days after palmitic acid treatment.

Keywords

• hdpe
• ldpe
• aspergillus oryzae
• biodegradation