degradation of polyethylene by chaetomium sp. and aspergillus flavus

Chaetomium sp. and Aspergillus flavus isolated from the local landfill of Shivamogga district were used in the biodegradation of polyethylene. Soil sample of local landfill was used as source to isolate these two fungi. Degradation was monitored by observing weight loss and changes in physical structure by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Organisms were grown on polyethylene without any treatment and polyethylene, which was irradiated with UV and incubated with nitric acid at 80oC for 06 days before cultivation. Organisms were able to degrade treated polyethylene better than untreated polyethylene. Both of these organisms may act as solution for the problem caused by polyethylene in nature.