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Biodegradation of polyester polyurethane during commercial composting and analysis of associated fungal communities

  • Urooj Zafar
  • , Petrus Nzeram
  • , Adrian Langarica-Fuentes
  • , Ashley Houlden
  • , Alan Heyworth
  • , Alberto Saiani
  • , Geoff D. Robson

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    In this study the biodegradation of polyurethane (PU) during the maturation stage of a commercial composting process was investigated. PU coupons were buried in the centre and at the surface of a 10. m high compost pile. Fungal communities colonising polyester PU coupons were compared with the native compost communities using culture based and molecular techniques. Putative polyester PU degrading fungi were ubiquitous in compost and rapidly colonised the surface of polyester PU coupons with significant deterioration. As the temperature decreased, fungal diversity in the compost and on the surface of the polyester PU coupons increased and selection of fungal community on the polyester PU coupons occurs that is different from the surrounding compost. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)374-377
    Number of pages3
    JournalBioresource Technology
    Volume158
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    UN SDGs

    This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    1. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
      SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

    Keywords

    • Biodegradation
    • Compost
    • Plastics
    • Polyurethane
    • Thermophilic fungi

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