Isolation, Identification, and Biodegradation Potential of Fungal Isolates from Waste Disposal Sites in Jalna, Maharashtra: A Sustainable Approach to Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Management

The escalating crisis of plastic waste, particularly in urban centers like Jalna, Maharashtra, necessitates innovative solutions for sustainable waste management. This study focused on the isolation, identification, and characterization of plastic-degrading fungi from municipal waste disposal sites in Jalna. Soil and sewage samples were collected from multiple locations, including the Kundalika River, known for submerged low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastics. Fungal species were isolated from soil and wastewater samples using serial dilution and plating onto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) growth medium. Following incubation, colonies were examined for their morphological characteristics, and 12 species were identified using colony appearance and microscope observations. Notably, species such as Curvularia senegalensis (0.94%), Fusarium javanicum (0.90%), and Aspergillus flavus (0.90%) demonstrated significant LDPE degradation potential, achieving notable weight loss percentages over the 80 days. The degradation capacity of these fungi was further confirmed through weight loss measurements of LDPE samples, revealing their potential to reduce plastic pollution. This research underscores the role of fungi in biodegrading plastics and highlights their potential to develop eco-friendly, sustainable waste management strategies for combating the environmental impacts of plastic waste in urban areas.