Evaluation of the Biodegradation Process of Low-density Polyethylene by Aspergillus brasiliensis in Soil
Lopez, Lina F.
Morales-Fonseca, Diana
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How to Cite

Lopez L.F., Morales-Fonseca D., 2023, Evaluation of the Biodegradation Process of Low-density Polyethylene by Aspergillus brasiliensis in Soil, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 99, 397-402.
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Abstract

Due to the impact that plastics generate in ecosystems, the management of this type of plastic waste has become a growing problem, so it is extremely important to focus efforts on research and knowledge generation around this topic. This research was focused on the evaluation of the biodegradation process of low-density polyethylene sheets using inoculum treatments of Aspergillus brasiliensis, in a compost-type soil matrix in order to determine the percentage of biodegradability and the state of the surface of the material by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. The percentages of LDPE biodegradation 3.60 % were evidenced in 10 weeks under conditions such as 6.3 pH, 55% humidity and 20 °C. The studies carried out with this strain are still limited within the scientific bibliography, therefore, this project is considered relevant in the characterization of the biodegradation processes of complex polymers.
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