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Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

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Biodegradation of superabsorbent polymers in soil.

J D Stahl¹, M D Cameron, J Haselbach

¹Biotechnology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International

|November 15, 2008

Summary

White-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium rapidly biodegrades superabsorbent polymers in soil. Microbial cooperation enhances polymer solubilization and mineralization, suggesting optimized conditions maximize biodegradation.

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Area of Science:

Environmental microbiology
Polymer science
Biotechnology

Background:

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are widely used but persistent in the environment.
Biodegradation of synthetic polymers by microorganisms is a key area of environmental research.
Phanerochaete chrysosporium is known for its ligninolytic enzymes capable of degrading recalcitrant compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the biodegradation of polyacrylate and polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymer by Phanerochaete chrysosporium in soil.
To assess the role of soil microbes in the degradation process.
To identify conditions that enhance polymer biodegradation.

Main Methods:

Incubation of superabsorbent polymers with Phanerochaete chrysosporium in soil.
Analysis of polymer solubilization and mineralization.
Investigation of synergistic effects between the fungus and soil microbes.
Evaluation of degradation following solubilization by fungal enzymes or Fenton reagent.

Main Results:

Phanerochaete chrysosporium effectively solubilized and mineralized both polyacrylate and its copolymer.
The copolymer degraded significantly faster than the polyacrylate.
Soil microbes alone showed poor solubilization and mineralization capabilities.
Cooperation between the fungus and soil microbes enhanced degradation, with the fungus solubilizing and microbes stimulating mineralization.
Enhanced mineralization occurred after polymer solubilization by fungal peroxidases, cellobiose dehydrogenase, or Fenton reagent.

Conclusions:

Phanerochaete chrysosporium is a potent agent for the biodegradation of superabsorbent polymers in soil.
Synergistic interactions between fungi and soil microbes are crucial for efficient polymer degradation.
Optimizing conditions for polymer solubilization, particularly through fungal enzymatic activity, is key to maximizing biodegradation in soil environments.