Biodegradation of Low Density Polyethylene (Ldpe) by Mangrove Fungi from the Red Sea Coast

Forty five fungal isolates belonging to 13 genera were derived from tidal water, floating debris, and sediment collected from mangrove stands on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Six of these isolates and their consortium were found to be able to grow in association with low density polyethylene (LDPE) film under in vitro conditions in the absence of dextrose or any other carbon source. These isolates were further tested for their potential to degrade LDPE by co-cultivation under aeration on a rotary shaker. Examination under light and scanning electron microscope revealed that the fungi attached themselves to the surface of the film and grew profusely. As compared to the controls, these fungi accumulated significantly higher biomass, produced more ligninolytic enzymes, and released larger volumes of CO 2 during co-cultivation with LDPE. These observations indicated that the selected isolates were able to breakdown and consume the LDPE film.