ORIGINAL RESEARCH
The Susceptibility of Polyethylene Modified with
Bionolle to Biodegradation by Filamentous Fungi
S. Łabużek, B. Nowak, J. Pająk*Introduction
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Department of Biochemistry
University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2004;13(1):59-68
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The aim of this investigation was the biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film modified
with Bionolle by fungi. The samples in the form of composite films were prepared by homogenization
and extrusion. The effect of polymer composition on mechanical properties was determined. We proved
that the composite film had higher tensile strength and elongation at break than LDPE. Examined films
were incubated in the presence of the fungi Aspergillus niger and and Penicillium funiculosum isolated from a
dump. Degree of colonization and surface morphology of the films with an optical microscope and a scanning
electron microscope were observed. The effect of microorganisms’ action on the samples by the loss
of mass and FTIR spectroscopy was estimated. The results of the study have proven that both fungi were
capable of degrading polyethylene. P. funiculosum, which is well known for secreting various polymerdegrading
enzymes totally assimilated the composite film containing 40% of this highly hydrophobic polymer.
It was concluded that polyethylene film modified with 60% (wt/wt) Bionolle can be degraded within
90 days according to European directive 94/92/EC.