Fungal Bioremediation: Analysis of the Polypropylene Biodegradation Properties of Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Ayako Irita
N High School, Uruma, Japan
Publication date: November 20, 2025
N High School, Uruma, Japan
Publication date: November 20, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025II26
ABSTRACT
Appropriate end-of-life (EOL) management of petroleum-based plastics has long been a concern, as their incineration, improper disposal, and subsequent accumulation cause significant environmental pollution and potentially adverse health effects. The paucity of scientific data backing the biodegradation of polypropylene by basidiomycetes stands out against the general lack of studies pursuing biotic degradation of polypropylene by fungi. This study investigates the bioremediation effects of Lentinula edodes ‘Mori XR1’ regarding untreated single-use low-density polypropylene (LDPP). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicates the LDPP sheets inoculated with L. edodes have decreased levels of methylene (-CH2-) groups. In addition, the crystallinity of the treated LDPP decreased. Since microorganisms other than L. edodes were not detected from the microbial environment directly surrounding the LDPP, it can be deduced that biological activity by L. edodes may have caused these changes. Further research is necessary to demonstrate the causal relationships between these findings.
Appropriate end-of-life (EOL) management of petroleum-based plastics has long been a concern, as their incineration, improper disposal, and subsequent accumulation cause significant environmental pollution and potentially adverse health effects. The paucity of scientific data backing the biodegradation of polypropylene by basidiomycetes stands out against the general lack of studies pursuing biotic degradation of polypropylene by fungi. This study investigates the bioremediation effects of Lentinula edodes ‘Mori XR1’ regarding untreated single-use low-density polypropylene (LDPP). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicates the LDPP sheets inoculated with L. edodes have decreased levels of methylene (-CH2-) groups. In addition, the crystallinity of the treated LDPP decreased. Since microorganisms other than L. edodes were not detected from the microbial environment directly surrounding the LDPP, it can be deduced that biological activity by L. edodes may have caused these changes. Further research is necessary to demonstrate the causal relationships between these findings.
