IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i20p8983-d1768167.html

Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene by Native Aspergillus Strains Isolated from Plastic-Contaminated Soil

Author

Listed:
  • Walter Rojas-Villacorta

    (Grupo de Biotecnología Microbiana y Vegetal, Universidad César Vallejo, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Magaly De La Cruz-Noriega

    (Institutos y Centros de Investigación de la Universidad Cesar Vallejo, Universidad Cesar Vallejo, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Nélida Milly Otiniano

    (Institutos y Centros de Investigación de la Universidad Cesar Vallejo, Universidad Cesar Vallejo, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Nicole Terrones-Rodríguez

    (Institutos y Centros de Investigación de la Universidad Cesar Vallejo, Universidad Cesar Vallejo, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Claudio Quiñones-Cerna

    (Laboratorio de Biotecnología e Ingenieria Genética, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a pressing global environmental challenge, and low-density-polyethylene (LDPE) is among the most persistent synthetic polymers. This study investigates the in vitro biodegradation of LDPE by native Aspergillus strains isolated from plastic-contaminated soils in Trujillo, Peru. Molecular techniques were used to identify the Aspergillus species. The LDPE strips were incubated for 50 days, and biodegradation was evaluated by weight loss (%), pH variation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Likewise, the reduction rate and half-life of the polymer (t 1/2 ) were calculated. Three strains of Aspergillus — A. niger H1C, A. ochraceopetaliformis H3C, and A. tamarii H6C—were isolated and evaluated for their ability to LDPE under in vitro conditions. A. niger H1C exhibited the most weight reduction (4.25 ± 1.67%) and a polymer half-life of 897.89 days, while A. tamarii H6C demonstrated a comparable loss (3.79 ± 1.52%) with a half-life of 901.6 days. A. ochraceopetaliformis H3C exhibited a moderate degradation (1.98 ± 0.37%), with the longest half-life recorded at 1757.33 days. The process was supported by pH variations. Furthermore, FTIR and SEM analyses revealed structural modifications in LDPE including formation of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and ether groups, suggesting oxidative and enzymatic activity-possibly mediated by lipases induced under lipid-rich conditions. This is the first report of A. ochraceopetaliformis and A. tamarii , highlighting their potential in sustainable plastic bioremediation strategies aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Suggested Citation

  • Walter Rojas-Villacorta & Magaly De La Cruz-Noriega & Nélida Milly Otiniano & Nicole Terrones-Rodríguez & Claudio Quiñones-Cerna, 2025. "Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene by Native Aspergillus Strains Isolated from Plastic-Contaminated Soil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:8983-:d:1768167
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/20/8983/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/20/8983/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rakesh Kumar & Anurag Verma & Arkajyoti Shome & Rama Sinha & Srishti Sinha & Prakash Kumar Jha & Ritesh Kumar & Pawan Kumar & Shubham & Shreyas Das & Prabhakar Sharma & P. V. Vara Prasad, 2021. "Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Ecosystem Services, Sustainable Development Goals, and Need to Focus on Circular Economy and Policy Interventions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-41, September.
    2. Adeleye Ayoade Adeniran & Winston Shakantu, 2022. "The Health and Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste Disposal in South African Townships: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-11, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Thi Thanh Thuy Phan & Van Viet Nguyen & Hong Thi Thu Nguyen & Chun-Hung Lee, 2022. "Integrating Citizens’ Importance-Performance Aspects into Sustainable Plastic Waste Management in Danang, Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Yanjie Jiang & Xiaodi Ding, 2025. "Exploring the Nexus Between Ecosystem Services and Economic Sustainability: A Stakeholder Perspective," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(3), pages 3639-3658, May.
    3. Nawaz, Ahmad & Razzak, Shaikh Abdur, 2024. "Co-pyrolysis of biomass and different plastic waste to reduce hazardous waste and subsequent production of energy products: A review on advancement, synergies, and future prospects," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 224(C).
    4. Kumar, Manish & Bolan, Shiv & Padhye, Lokesh P. & Konarova, Muxina & Foong, Shin Ying & Lam, Su Shiung & Wagland, Stuart & Cao, Runzi & Li, Yang & Batalha, Nuno & Ahmed, Mohamed & Pandey, Ashok & Sidd, 2023. "Retrieving back plastic wastes for conversion to value added petrochemicals: opportunities, challenges and outlooks," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 345(C).
    5. Altaf Hossain Molla & Hilal Shams & Zambri Harun & Mohd Nizam Ab Rahman & Hawa Hishamuddin, 2022. "An Assessment of Drivers and Barriers to Implementation of Circular Economy in the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Sector in India," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-25, October.
    6. Daming Li & Canyao Liu & Yu Shi & Jiaming Song & Yiliang Zhang, 2022. "Trade Flow Optimization Model for Plastic Pollution Reduction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-18, November.
    7. Asheena Singh-Pillay & Jayaluxmi Naidoo, 2024. "Trainee Teachers’ Shift towards Sustainable Actions in Their Daily Routine," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-13, October.
    8. Ghulamullah Maitlo & Imran Ali & Hubdar Ali Maitlo & Safdar Ali & Imran Nazir Unar & Muhammad Bilal Ahmad & Darya Khan Bhutto & Ramesh Kumar Karmani & Shamim ur Rehman Naich & Raja Umer Sajjad & Sikan, 2022. "Plastic Waste Recycling, Applications, and Future Prospects for a Sustainable Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-27, September.
    9. Longina Madej-Kiełbik & Jagoda Jóźwik-Pruska & Radosław Dziuba & Karolina Gzyra-Jagieła & Nina Tarzyńska, 2024. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Amount of Plastic Waste and Alternative Materials in the Context of the Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-22, February.
    10. Lingmei Han & Jianqiang You & Jiening Meng, 2023. "Environmental Value Assessment of Plastic Pollution Control: A Study Based on Evidence from a Survey in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-16, June.
    11. María-Carmen Ricoy & Cristina Sánchez-Martínez, 2022. "Raising Ecological Awareness and Digital Literacy in Primary School Children through Gamification," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-19, January.
    12. Beatrice Onuoha & Elijah N E Mohammed, 2025. "Evaluating the Health and Ecological Risks of Plastic Waste Pollution in Lagos State," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 12(8), pages 1032-1052, August.
    13. Yasir Ahmed Solangi & Rakan Alyamani & Muhammad Asghar & Sharafat Ali & Cosimo Magazzino, 2025. "The Impact of Social Investment and Green Finance on Sustainable Development: Evidence From Emerging Market Economies," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(3), pages 4366-4379, June.
    14. Ren-Shou Yu & Sher Singh, 2023. "Microplastic Pollution: Threats and Impacts on Global Marine Ecosystems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-21, September.
    15. Qin, Zhaohui & Pan, Yuchen & Peng, Pin & Chen, Hailin & Mazheti, Winnie Kudzai, 2023. "Impact of industrial development and machinery and transport equipment on natural resources in South Africa," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    16. Asheena Singh-Pillay, 2023. "Pre-Service Teachers’ Experience of Learning about Sustainability in Technology Education in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-13, January.
    17. Gratiela Dana Boca & Sinan Saraçli, 2023. "Effects of Romanian Student’s Awareness and Needs Regarding Plastic Waste Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-21, April.
    18. Richao Cong & Toru Matsumoto & Atsushi Fujiyama, 2025. "Monitoring Hospital Visitors Could Enhance the Prediction of the Plastic Waste Collection Demand and Its Management," Waste, MDPI, vol. 3(3), pages 1-20, July.
    19. Xolisiwe Sinalo Grangxabe & Thabang Maphanga & Benett Siyabonga Madonsela & Babalwa Gqomfa & Takalani Terry Phungela & Karabo Concelia Malakane & Kgabo Humphrey Thamaga & Daniel Angwenyi, 2023. "The Escalation of Informal Settlement and the High Levels of Illegal Dumping Post-Apartheid: Systematic Review," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-15, September.
    20. Akhmad Mustafa & Rachman Syah & Mudian Paena & Ketut Sugama & Endhay Kusnendar Kontara & Irwan Muliawan & Hidayat Suryanto Suwoyo & Andi Indra Jaya Asaad & Ruzkiah Asaf & Erna Ratnawati & Admi Athirah, 2023. "Strategy for Developing Whiteleg Shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) Culture Using Intensive/Super-Intensive Technology in Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-20, January.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:8983-:d:1768167. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.