Gas chromatography-Mass Spectra analysis and deleterious potential of fungal based polythene-degradation products

Abstract

Polythene-degradation products (PE-DPs) produced due to two most efficient polythene degrading fungal isolates (Aspergillus terreus strain MANF1/WL and Aspergillus sydowii strain PNPF15/TS) after 60 days of incubation at ambient temperature with continuous shaking were analyzed by employing GC-MS method. Total 24 PE-DPs were recorded in total 4 samples i) control (pH 3.5), ii) Treatment of Aspergillus terreus strain MANF1/WL (pH 3.5), iii) control (pH 9.5) and iv) Treatment of Aspergillus sydowii strain PNP15/TS (pH 9.5). To check the deleterious status of PE-DPs using both the elite fungal isolates at in vitro level, two living systems (Sorghum and Tiger shark) were used. The percent germination rate of sorghum seeds were found unaffected with PE-DPs of both elite fungi. PE-DPs of both the fungal isolates exhibited maximum germination index at 50%. Whereas, highest elongation inhibition rate (34.75 ± 7.10) was reported with PE-DPs of Aspergillus terreus strain MANF1/WL. In case of animals system, no mortality of the Tiger sharks was documented after fifteen days of the treatment.