Exploring the potential of fungal strains in biodegradation of LDPE: A scientific analysis.

Plastics are composed of polymers formed by the bonding of ethylene monomers. Polyethylene is categorized into various types. LDPE materials are widely used due to their durability, lightweight, and robustness. Polyethylene constitutes 64% of plastic waste generated globally, and it takes around 1000 years for plastics to decompose. Additionally, millions of marine organisms die due to ingestion of polyethylene debris, which obstructs their digestive tracts. Fungal cultures were isolated from a dump site and sub-cultured using agar media after their initial growth in Minimal Salt Medium. The fungal isolates were identified using lactophenol blue cotton staining. The potential of fungi to break down polyethylene was analyzed using gravimetric analysis, CO2 Evolution Test/Modified Sturm Test and Clear Zone Test Method. Weight analysis was conducted after 28 days of incubation, and the difference was observed. All these tests demonstrated the potential of a specific fungal strain in breaking down LDP