Biodegradasi Plastik (Low Density Polyethylene) Menggunakan Jamur dari Tempat Pembuangan Akhir (TPA)

Abstract

The use of plastic low density polyethylene (LDPE) has been increasing every year. Plastic is naturally recalcitrant causing environmental pollution and endangers the ecosystems. An effort to get fungal isolate which are potential to degrade plastic has been conducted. Fungi were isolated from Namo Bintang dump site at Medan Tuntungan. It was obtained two fungal isolates RH03 and RH06 based on their ability to grow on Mineral Salt Medium Brooth (MSMB) containing of LDPE powder. Based on morphological characteristic, two fungal isolate were assumed as Aspergillus sp. The ability test to degrade LDPE sheets for 45 days showed RH03 and RH06 were able to reduce the weight of LDPE by 5,13% and 6,63% and tensile strength reduced up to 58% and 40%. SEM photomicrograph of LDPE showed surface changes into rough, groove, and some fungal spore were noticed.