Baluran Savanna Mold: A Natural Tool for Plastic Biodegradation

Plastic waste poses a serious threat to environmental balance if left unmanaged. Savannas are unique ecosystems with extreme and dry conditions that support the growth of adaptive microorganisms, including molds capable of producing enzymes involved in polymer degradation. However, despite this potential, studies on plastic-degrading fungi from Indonesian savannas remain limited. This study examined the ability of three mold isolates obtained from savanna soil in Baluran National Park to degrade polyethylene (PE) during 15- and 30-day incubations. From an initial set of 30 isolates, three were selected for biodegradation assays. Species identification, based on morphological traits, identified them as A. niger, T. harzianum, and T. asperellum. All isolates demonstrated biodegradation potential, indicated by increased biomass, reduced plastic weight, and decreased pH. The degradation activity was likely driven by oxidative and hydrolytic enzyme production. Among the isolates, T. asperellum exhibited the highest degradation efficiency, reaching 14.4% after 15 days and 20.95% after 30 days, while A. niger and T. harzianum showed lower but still measurable activity. These findings highlight the ecological value of Baluran savanna molds and their potential application as environmentally friendly agents for PE biodegradation.