Potensi Jamur Pelapuk Putih untuk Biodegradasi Expanded Polystyrene.

Abstract

Studies on Expanded polystyrene (EPS) degradation using white rot fungi (WRF) is still limited. This research aimed to evaluate the ability of six strains WRF (BRB 11, BRB 73, BRB 81, EDN 082, EDN 134 and D7) to degrade EPS. The WRF were first studied on their ability to produce laccase in Malt Extract Broth (MEB) containing EPS in four weeks incubation. Degradation was measured on the weight reduction, and morphological damage of EPS that was supported by characterization of the intermediate polymers (functional grups, molecule transformations to volatile subtances, thermal stability and crystallinity) after degradation. Medium containing EPS without WRF was used as control. The result showed that all six strains of WRF produced laccase and were capable of colonizing the EPS surface. BRB 11 was the best EPS colonizer as it grew faster 1.86 cm/d than other WRF at 10.000 ppm EPS. After 30 days of incubation BRB 11 and BRB 73 caused EPS mass loss about 16% and 1% respectively. Meanwhile EPS treated BRB 11 showed the highest decreasing of aromatic (-47%) and vinyl compound (-76%). It also produced more new intermediate-compounds compared to the control. BRB 73 caused the highest decrease in thermal stability with mass loss 10% at 300°C and 15,4 % at 380°C. Which is in accordance with its crystallinity. BRB 11 and BRB 73 were recommended to be studied further on their capacity for EPS biodegradation.