Potensi Jamur Sedimen Kawasan Hutan Mangrove Belawan Dalam Mendegradasi Plastik Jenis Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Abstract

LDPE is a widely used type of plastic due to its low cost and versatility; however, its resistance to degradation has led to serious environmental accumulation issues. This study aims to determine the potential of fungi isolated from sediments in the Belawan Mangrove Forest area to degrade LDPE plastic. Fungi were isolated from three different locations; Sicanang Ecotourism, Coastal Area, and Brackish Waters, then characterized and selected based on their ability to grow on media containing plastic powder. The fungal ability to degrade LDPE was tested using 1×2 cm plastic sheets placed on MSMA media and incubated for 60 days. Surface damage to the plastic was observed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and potential isolates were molecularly identified using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region. A total of 12 fungal isolates with varying morphologies were obtained; among them, four isolates; PP03, PA02, PA04, and PA05 were capable of growing on media containing plastic, both in the presence and absence of glucose. The degradation ability of these four isolates on plastic sheets revealed that isolate PA05 showed the highest degradation performance, reducing the plastic weight by 58.57%, with visible surface alterations confirmed by SEM. Molecular identification indicated that isolate PA05 is closely related to Fusarium verticillioides. These findings suggest the potential application of these fungi as biodegradation agents for LDPE plastic.