1

Mycelial Action of Pleurotusostreatus (oyster mushroom) on

Disposable Diaper Decomposition
Abstract:
Pleurotusostreatus has been utilized in the biodegradation of organic pollutants and bioconversion of
agricultural waste due to the fact that it possesses lignolytic activity and enzymes which are needed for
those purposes. This made P. ostreatusa potential fungal candidate for biodegrading disposable diapers.
Disposable diapers contain Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), polyethylene, polypropylene and an
absorbent core in the form of a wood pulp fluff or superabsorbent polymer. The objective of the study was
to determine the capabilities of the Pleurotusostreatus mycelia in degrading solid wastes specifically the
disposable diapers. Macroscopic and microscopic observations, and the statistical analysis and treatment
of the weight of the diapers using the One Way ANOVA was performed to qualify and quantify the
potential degradation of the disposable diapers. After 6 weeks of observation, a decrease in the weight
resulted indicative of degradation. Also greater rate of degradation was observed in the used diapers as
compared to the unused diapers. This research concludes that the mycelial action of P. ostreatus is capable
in biodegrading disposable diapers.
Keywords: Pleurotusostreatus,mycelial action, disposable diapers, polyaromatic hydrocarbon, weight
loss.
I.

Introduction
The modern day technology had a lot of materials produced by adding features of recalcitrance,

where the materials are not easily destroyed to withstand wet deposition or accumulation of fluid based
materialfs, such as shown by disposable diapers. Feature of tearing of the materials must not be evident,
in an aim to contain for certain time the waste product conveniently without leaking or dropping these
externally. These reasons are why diapers are well patronized by modern day mothers. Indeed, these
materials offer convenience when carrying their infants or babies and also when they travel in far places.
Disposable diapers though are also a problem when they are disposed since they are bulky, adding
to the increasing problems of the solid waste management (SWM). Furthermore, part of their composition
especially their outer cover is plastic made. The absorbent parts are made up of cotton-rubberize materials
adding to their recalcitrance. Recalcitrant materials pose a problem on decomposition because these
materials have the presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are large
groups of organic compounds with two or more fused aromatic rings. They have relatively low solubility

2
in water, but are highly lipophilic. Most of the PAHs have low vapour pressure inthe air are adsorbed on
particles (Copenhagen et al, 2000). This makes the diapers efficient in taking up liquid wastes.
Aside from PAH, specific components of the diapers include polyethylene film, polypropylene
nonwoven hydrophobic and hydrophilic part, absorbent core in the form of a wood pulp fluff, an elastic
lycra or spandex, a quick wicking layer, adhesive hot melts and elastomers, fastening tape whether these
are hook or loop type, moisturizing lotions and fragrance lotion and breathable or cloth like back sheet
(Nagaswarna, R. n.d.). All these components further contribute to properties of good aeration and
circulation within the diaper itself after the liquid absorption; and odorants not to cause the waste deposits
to manifest foul odor and proper fasteners to keep the diaper intact for the mobility of the infant using
these.
Huggies and Pampers are the two top selling diapers brands, known worldwide for their quality
and diversity of product (Ebay.com. 2013). Additionally, these diapers have wetness indicator. This is a
colored line or design on the outside of the diaper, which changes colour to suggest that the baby needs to
be changed. Some parents and caregivers find the wetness indicator really quite helpful in terms of their
saturation. These two products are better, softer and more absorbent that gives comfort to both parents
and the baby for use.
The more composition diapers possess the greater advantage offered. This resiliency causes these to
become problems to solid waste management in the environment. Republic Act 9003 of ecological solid
waste management of the Philippines had stated that institutions include among the many endeavours, the
performance of the researches that can enhance the management of solid waste in aim to help reduce the
existence of these solid waste (Environmental Management National Solid Waste Management
Commission, DENR 2013). It is in this light that this research attempted to remediate solid waste
reduction of disposable commercial diapers.
Mushrooms are macroscopic fungi. These are mostly dimorphic organisms exhibiting a yeast stage
and a vegetative mycelia stage. The yeast stage is unicellular stage capable eventually of germination
giving rise to a hypha. This hypha can divide mitotically to branch out and further making the mushroom
become multicellular. Eventually groups of hyphae intertwine and make mycelium. Continuous
proliferation of these make the mycelia become an intricate network of mycelia complex composing the
hypha-mycelia stage (Cho, S., 2004). When they are in the multicellular stage, greater function is
correlated and more concerted function is also expected (Stamet, 2007).
Pleurotusostreatus, one of the macroscopic fungi, commonly known as oyster mushroom, grow
in the wild tropical, subtropical and temperate regions and are easily cultivated artificially

3
(Akindahunsiand Oyatao, 2006). They also grow in our country and are used often as food. They serve as
healthy foods low protein, chitin, vitamins and minerals (La Gardua et al., 2012). Pleurotusostretus also is
an active lignin degrader in the forest. This mushroom can be found year round on deciduous trees,
especially willows. Occasionally, they grow on pines and besides growing on live trees; they grow on
stamps or fallen branches. These wild and fleshy mushrooms can be white, gray, or brown. Caps can be
up to eight inches wide, usually in a semi-circle shape and the gill are white or yellowish. Sometimes
oyster mushrooms have short stalks but are never a half inch long. Also these mushrooms are
characterized by having basidia with four basidiophores and tetrapolar mating system, the hyphae have
clamp connection and most members of the genus, excepting a small minority, have a monomictichyphal
system (Kong, Won-Sik., 2004).
Aside from the lignolytic activity of P. ostreatus, they secrete enzymes that have been used in the
bioconversation of agricultural waste, biodegration of organic pollutants, xenobiotics and industrial
contaminant and in paper pulp bleaching among other applications ( Prez G., 2008). Among mushrooms,
Pleurotusostreatus can be used with a variety of waste substrates with its fast mycelia growth and its
multilateral enzymes that can biodegrade nearly all types of available waste.
The mycelia are network of hyphae capable of decomposition first by their action of penetration.
Primarily the mycelium is responsible for decomposing organic compounds, returning nutrients to the soil
and releasing carbon dioxide for plants to breathe (Rye C., 2009). These vegetative parts have the
capacity to turn long chained toxins into less toxic chemicals by using acids to breakdown hydrocarbon
and organic compounds. These acids dwell within the fungus hence it is important that the fungus itself is
protected from these acids. For this purpose the outer layer of mycelia shoots are made of chitin.
(Lakhanpal S., n.d).
Degradation is the gradual change in the integrity of materials, physically or chemically
consequently weakening their substrate. This is a step toward the complete breakdown of the material
called decomposition. Degradation can be enhanced or inhibited by various factors intrinsically or
externally. It can be involved metabolic actions among organisms.
The forementionedmycelial actions of the fungi, P. ostreatus, make them a potential candidate for
remediating the soil waste accumulation in the environment. Fungi, being eukaryotes, can degrade in
larger volumes compared to the other decomposers like bacteria being prokaryotes. Fungi being
eukaryotes or true cells have more complex cellular contents, organelles making them capable of greater
decomposition as compared to prokaryotes.

4
This study determined the capabilities of the Pleurotusostreatus mycelia in degrading as solid
wastes specifically the disposable diapers.
The research attempted to prove the potential of Pleurotusostreatus as diaper degrading agent
specifically using their mycelia. Particularly it attempted to answer the following questions:
1. Is the P. ostreatus capable of degrading the disposable diapers based on weight?

2. Is there a significant difference in the degradation of used and unused diapers in terms of:
a. Rate of degradation
b. Quality of the degraded diaper
3. Is there a difference in the P. ostreatus mycelia growth in those grown in the diapers from those
on natural substrate in terms of growth observed?
a. Microscopically?
b. In their weight?

4. What are the chemical components of Pleurotusostreatus mycelia that are acting on the
degradation of diapers?
The researchers were guided by the following hypotheses:
1. The P. ostreatusis capable of degrading disposable diapers by manifesting decreased weight in the
treated diapers
2. There a significant difference between used and unused diapers based on
a. microscopic appearance and
b. mycelial weight
3. There is no significant difference in the P. ostreatusmycelial growth from those grown on the
diapers from those on natural substrate in terms of growth observed
a. microscopically and
b. in their weight

5
An overview of the study is shown in paradigm shown below

INPUT

PROCESS
*diapers
*Pleurotus
ostreatus

OUTPUT

*Inoculation of Pleurotusostreatus on diapers

*Mycelial growth evaluation
a) microscopic weight
b) Diaper evaluation

*Degradation of diapers
*Identification of active Pleurotus contents in degradati

Figure 1. Research Paradigm

II. Methodology
SAMPLE COLLECTION
The researchers utilized used and unused diapers. Two brands of used diapers were collected from
Baguio General Hospitals infant section specifically by babies in age range of 0-5 months. Unused
diapers were bought directly from the supermarket. These were tagged as Brand A and Brand B,
respectively. These diapers were chosen due to their commercial availability and being patronaged by
consumers. They are also the most common diaper wastes disposed needing remediation. These diapers
contained baby urine and fecal matter, distinguished by yellow coloration externally.
Pleurotusostreatusmycelia were chosen because these had been frequently used for bioremediation
purpose (Baldrian 2008) due to their efficient lignocellulose solid state decomposing ability as fungi. P.
ostreatusmycelial culture was purchased from Benguet State University- Mushroom Laboratory, La
Trinidad, Benguet. Mycelia had been grown further for inoculation.

PREPARATION AND INOCULATION

6
Diapers were cut into 1x1 (inch). The precut used and unused diapers were separated into layers
(top, middle, bottom layer) and others were left intact. Petri dishes were obtained from Natural Sciences
Research Unit (NSRU). The triple beam balance was used to weigh (measured in grams) the diapers
before and after the inoculation of the mycelia. Thickness of the diapers was also measured in mm in
terms of the intact and the separated. A negative control (used diaper) was also set aside.
Meantime P. ostreatuswas grown till ready to be scraped from the substrate prior. One gram
mycelia were weighed and were directly inoculated on the diapers while 0.5g of mycelia were measured
and inoculated on the top, middle and basal layer of diapers. Positive and negative controls were also used
for this study. The positive control is the naturally growing mycelia on its grass hay substrate. The
negative control on the other hand was the inoculated diaper on the pre-mycelial stage.
The researchers constructed an appropriate cabinet to which the petri dishes were placed. These
were kept moist and maintained at room temperature and were set-up in a dark room (see Appendix C).
RESEARCH DESIGN
Experimental design was used with three replicates including the control group. The control
diapers were not inoculated with Pleurotusostreatus. Three replicates were made including the control
group. The control group consists of only the mycelia. Brand A and Brand B were separated into two
groups: The set up can be summarized in the
table below.
UNUSED

USED

Control GROUP
BRAND A

BRAND B

BRAND A

BRAND B

Positive

Negative

control

control

Cp 1

Cn-1

A-1

B-1

A-1

B-1

A-1

B-1

A-1

B-1

Cp 2

Cn-2

A-2

B-2

A-2

B-2

A-2

B-2

A-2

B-2

Cp 3

Cn-3

A-3

B-3

A-3

B-3

A-3

B-3

A-3

B-3

Legends:

7
A: Intact
B: Separated (three layers)
Cp: Positive control (mycelia)
Cn; Negative control (used diaper)
Data Collection
The weights of the pre-cut diapers were measured in grams before and after three weeks of
inoculation on October 20, 2014. Another weight measurement was made after three weeks that was on
November 2014, completing six week observation. Data obtained were compared to see significant
differences and weight loss. Moreover, the rate of degradation was also assessed based on weight loss,
wherein greater weight loss would for faster rate of degradation. Degradation of polymers mediated by
surface and bulk erosion has a linear relationship with weight loss which implies that a decrease in
molecular weight signifies bulk erosion (Mark, James 2007). Also in the study conducted by Mochizuki et
al. (1999), they said that rate of degradation was found to depend on the draw ratio and crystallinity of the
PCL fibers with surface erosion. And this surface erosion with weight loss by extracellular degradation
enzymes appears to be the primary mechanism in the environmental degradation of PCL fibers. Molecular
weight loss is also an evidence of surface degradation.

Microscopic observation
Slides of the mycelia were prepared from the used and unused diapers by scraping mycelia from
the diapers in all the set-up. Growth of mycelia and the presence of spores were observed under
compound microscope as well as other notable observable characteristics.

Statistical Analysis
The researchers used one-way Analysis of Variance to compare the significant difference in
weight loss between the used and unused diaper after mycelial inoculation within six weeks duration. The
difference was tested using 0.5 % level of significance.

8
III.

Results

Weight loss on diapers

Table 1. Weight (g) change in the used diaper (whole) for three to six weeks
Weight
Initial

Diaper

(g)

Brand A
Brand B

3.33
5.4

weight Diaper
mycelia
4.33
6.4

with Weight

after Weight after difference after

three weeks
12.53
11.83

six weeks

six

weeks

4.13
4.83

inoculation
0.2
1.57

Table 1 presents the weights observed from three (3) weeks and later after another three (3) weeks
making a total of six (6) weeks observation. The period of growth between those observation periods
allowed the mycelia to further increase progressively and the mycelial increase implies ability to degrade
the substrate where they are inoculated. At the third week, an increase of weight was observed since the
mycelia proliferated and thus accounted also for greater absorption or uptake of materials from the
diapers by the mycelia.
The difference in the mycelial weight, where there was greater weight for Brand B diaper implies
that there is more mycelial increase. This suggests Brand B diaper has a greater material waste deposition
capability thereby promoting more nutrients for mycelial uptake and increased metabolism. The uptake of
mycelia of the available waste is continuous, so that the decrease of weight after the next three weeks
accounts for the depleted or absence of more substances to sustain the mycelia. This also relates to the
death of some mycelia after the following weeks, since the waste originally contained were not
replenished. This accounted for the lighter weight after the sixth week.
The weight gain in the third week of mycelia inoculation is the exponential phase in the growth of
the mycelia. In this phase, a fungal spore germinates on a solid substrate to form a mycelium which
increases in length exponentially. This exponential growth can be shown concominant increase in mass,
total hyphal length, number of hyphal tips, wet weights or other such measures. The weight loss in 6 th
week is the stationary phase(MD. Asaduzzaman, 2007).Used diaper not subjected to mycelia (negative
control) was also considered, its weight was measured at the same time duration. Weight loss is not that
significant as compared to diapers with mycelia.

of

9
In this research weight loss refers to decrease in weight of diaper after mycelial inoculation. In a
study conducted by Valdemar and colleagues (2014), they noticed that in the composting systems
containing diapers achieved a slightly higher weight loss of 60%; According to them, it is likely to be
related to the significant presence of cellulose resulting to faster rate of degradation, a highly
biodegradable substrate which can be metabolized by microorganisms faster than yard waste, which
contains also lignin which harder to degrade. (Espinosa-Valdemara, et al., 2014). Degradration of PCL
multifibers contributed to the weight loss of the diaper. According to Masuda and collegues, Surface
erosion with weight loss by extracellular degradation enzymes secreted by microorganisms appears to be
the primary mechanism in environmental degradation of PCL fibers. The delay in the molecular weight
loss in comparison with weight loss is evidence of surface degradation (Mochizuki, Hayashi, &
Nakayama, 1999).
Comparison of Pleurotusostreatus degradation between used and unused diaper in terms of weight
Table 2. Weight (g) changes between the used and unused diaper

Weight
Diaper

Initial

Diaper

weight

with

(g)

mycelia

Weight
three weeks

after Weight
six weeks

after

difference
after
weeks

six
of

inoculation
Brand
A
Used
Brand
B
Brand
B
Unused

Brand
A

Whole

2.96

3.96

11.13

3.5

0.46

Top
Middle
Base

1.9
4.86
1.13

2.43
5.86
2.13

3.26
12.63
1.87

1.57
4.67
1.33

0.86
1.19
0.8

Whole

3.13

4.13

9.3

3.83

0.3

Top
Middle
Base

1.27
4.33
0.9

1.77
5.33
1.4

3.93
11.03
2.13

0.897
4.87
0.73

0.873
0.46
0.67

Used diapers already contain metabolic waste materials. However waste material also contains
substances which can be utilized as food for other consumers like coprovores. Coprovores, feeders of

10
metabolic wastes, explore the left micronutrients for their own survival. On the other hand, the unused
diapers only possessed the typical components earlier mentioned such as PAH, polyethylene which are
not easily degraded being aromatic compounds mostly manifesting strong chemical bonds. This makes
the P. ostreatus mycelia have a more difficult time of degrading unused diapers compared to the used.
The results gleaned from table 2 confirm that weight differences indeed existed. ANOVA resulted
to significant difference between the used and unused diapers implying that mycelialpresence in used
diapers affected the weight, in this case, greater weight while unused diaper had lesser weight. This means
P. ostreatus mycelia grow faster in used diapers thus greater mycelial growth. In turn the more mycelia
would imply more capacity of metabolic function related to degradation of diaper on which these were
inoculated. The unused diapers had the lesser capacity to encourage and sustain mycelial growth thus
lesser weight.
The trend was confirmed asPleurotusostreatus also have the ability to degrade polylactic acid
according to Hidayat and colleagues. Research was conducted to determine the degradation of this
biocomposite based on its material weight and mechanical properties change as well as physical form
observed via visual and scanning electron microscopy. Analysis was also conducted on enzymatic
activity, and degradation characteristics were predicted. A natural isolate, Pleurotusostreatus, was used as
a degrader via entrapment of mycelia in immobilized Ca-alginate beads. This fungus degraded 12%, 21%,
30% and 48% of the (PLA)/kenaf composite in 1, 2, 3 and 6 months, respectively. Compared to the
control, degradation caused the fibers to shorten and mechanical properties to decrease by 84%. Also in
the study of Da Luz et al. 2013 mechanical properties, such as the maximum load of break, the tensile
extension at break and the elastic modulus confirmed the identification of the plastic polymers as low
density polyethylene. Furthermore, the presence of titanium in the plastic polymers showed that these
polymers are oxo-biodegradable and had contributed to the degradation of oxo-biodegradable plastic
by Pleurotusostreatus(Luz & Paes, 2013). The mushroom contains many biologically active compounds
with high utility value such as polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, lipids, terpenoids, and steroids in their
fruiting bodies and/or mycelium (Nishishimasaka, 2006). Polysaccharide fractions in mushrooms have
become of particular interest in recent years because of their many potential. Polysaccharides have a main
chain composed of -(13)-linked D-glucopyranosyl residues, and , -(16)-linked D-glucopyranosyl
residues attached as side chains to approximtety every 2-10 sugar residues of the main chain. Those can
serve as food sources by the P. ostreatus.

Table 3. Weight (g) change in the unused diaper (separated) for three to six weeks

11

Weigh
Diaper

Initial weight (g)

Diaper
mycelia

with Weight

after t after

three weeks

six
weeks

Brand A

Brand B

Top
Middle
Base
Top
Middle
Base

0.93
4.27
0.8
1.47
4.97
0.93

1.43
5.27
1.3
1.97
5.97
1.13

3.27
10.86
1.13
3.16
10.63
1.53

0.87
4.43
0.77
1.43
4.67
0.83

Weight
difference
after

six

weeks

of

inoculation
0.56
0.84
0.53
0.54
1.3
0.3

Analysis of variance particularly one-way ANOVA was utilized to determine the significance of
the following data. P-value was obtained for both brands of diaper. With a P-value of 0.00529034 and
0.000354 obtained for used and unused whole diaper, P. ostreatus mycelia show a significant difference
with 5 % level of significance (see Appendix A). This demonstrates that mycelia have the capability of
degrading diapers within six weeks.
Diapers
Used

Unused

Source
of
Variation
Between
Groups
Within
Groups
Total
Between
Groups
Within
Groups
Total

SS
17.01832
744
37.03222
167
54.05054
911
34.08968
333
158.1415

d
f
2
1
5
1
7
3

MS
8.509163
722
2.468814
778

F
3.446659
425

P-value

F crit

Significa
nce

0.058661

3.68232

NS

11.36322
778
7.907075

1.437096
243

0.261657
839

3.0983912
12

NS

2
0
192.23118 2
33
3
The parts of the diaper (used and unused) which were separated to test whether a difference
existed in mycelial growth as well as weight, had shown no significant difference. This suggests that
mycelial action in the various layers do not differ. Mycelia growth and action, is more or less similar in
Table 4. Diaper Layers and Fungal ( Pleurotusostreatus ) Action
all the layers. Pleurotus mycelias capacity to degrade the top, middle or lower layers of the diaper has the
same action. Whether the diaper is intact or separated, growth and action is not varied. This also
suggests any part of the disposable diapers have equal chances to grow mycelia of Pleurotus which in turn
results to degradation.

12
Microscopic observation of mycelia
Mycelia being minute had to be microscopically viewed. The mycelia appeared elongate, whitish
structures and their terminal ends on tips bluntly tapered. Some of these tips grow in a downward
direction (towards the substrate).
Branching was noticed to be greater in the mycelia associated with the used diapers as compared
to the unused diapers. The branching suggests more surface area for mycelial absorption (see figure 1).

Figure 1. Mycelia (control)

More spores were likewise observed on the inoculated used diapers than the spores produced
from the unused diapers. This suggests that more spores also would redound to more mycelia to
germinate. More materials observed from used diapers taken up by the Pleurotusmycelia are responsible
for this difference. This is similar to Pearl Oyster Mushroom that begins its life as a haploid spore that's
released from the basidium. The likelihood of a spore landing in a suitable spot to thrive is exceptionally
low, but Pleurotusostreatus makes up for it by ejecting millions of spores (Woller, 2007). The
Pleurotusbasidia found on the cap discharges spores. The spore cloud consists of billion spores which
look like the plume of smoke factory chimney. Spore liberation visible in Pleurotus spores was noted in
Euboea island mushroom Farm (Greece), 2009).In the diapers studied, there is the presence of urine. The
urine of babies contains ammonia which gives off the smell of the urine. The study conducted by Mikes
and his colleague, they found out that the fungus, P. ostreatus, produces ammonia assimilating enzymes.
L-Glutamate, L-glutamine and ammonia are the preferred nitrogen sources utilized by fungi. In the
vegetative mycelium NAD-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (NAD-GDH) and glutamine synthetase
(GS) were both present, but the highest level of these enzymes was found in the fruiting body. The
synthesis of L-glutamine is catalysed by only one enzyme, GS. Glutamine serves as a donor for the
synthesis of the other amino acids and many other nitrogen compounds (Mikes, Zofall, Chytil, Fulnetek,
&Schanel, 1994). Also in the study made by Curvetto et al on the growth and productivity of

13
Pleurotusostreatus,mycelial growth rate were evaluated and concluded that P. ostreatus mycelia grow
faster when expose to Mn(II) and/or NH4+(Curvetto N.R, 2002).
In addition brown pigmentation has also been observed in the diapers after 3 weeks (See Figures
2 and 3). A color change from white to reddish brown also occurred in the inoculated diapers indicating
role of enzymes for degradation. The coloration indicated the activities of ligninolytic enzymes (phenol
oxidase) produced by fungi and implied that the fungi themselves were able to degrade lignin
(Djarwanto& Tachibana, 2009). Extracellular laccase is one of the three important ligninolytic enzymes
of basidiomycetes fungi. During the synthesis of laccase, melanin production occurs in Basidiomycota
fungi (Arun, Angeetha, Eyini, & Gunasekaran, 2014). This melanin production absorbs radiation and
dissipates energy which protects the spore membrane. Additionally, melanin acts as strengthening
component and may physically protects spores from the action of enzymes produced by other microbes.
This is the reason why we have seen brown pigmentation in the mycelia under microscopic observation.
Pigmentation do afford a means for damage limitation from the impact of the environment for some
species particularly in vegetative hyphae and spores where other means of protection are not present
(Isaac S.,1994). This is advantageous for the Pleurotus and the mycelial development, consequently, a
reason for sustaining the degradation and decomposition of the diapers on which these was inoculated.

Figure 2. Left:Brand A (unused) with mycelia after 3 weeks; Right:Brand A (unused) with
mycelia after 6 weeks

14

Figure 3. Left: Brand B (unused) with mycelia after 3 weeks; Right: Brand B (unused)
with mycelia after 6 weeks

Active components of P.ostreatus

Extracellular laccase is one of the three important ligninolytic enzymes of basidiomycetes

fungi. During the synthesis of Laccase, melanin production occurs in Basidiomycota fungi
(Arun, Angeetha, Eyini, & Gunasekaran, 2014). This melanin production absorbs radiation and
dissipate energy which protects the spore membrane. Additionally, melanin acts as strengthening
component and may physically protects spores from the action of enzymes produced by other
microbes. This is the reason why we have seen brown pigmentation in the mycelia under
microscopic observation. The pigmentation do afford a means for damage limitation from the
impact of the environment for some species particularly in vegetative hyphae and spores where
other means of protection are not present (Isaac S.,1994).
The mushroom contains many biologically active compounds with high utility value such
as polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, lipids, terpenoids, and steroids in their fruiting bodies
and/or mycelium (Nishishimasaka, 2006). Polysaccharide fractions in mushrooms have become
of particular interest in recent years because of their anti-potential for tumors in bioassays in
vitro and in vivo. Polysaccharides have a main chain composed of -(13)-linked Dglucopyranosyl residues, and , -(16)-linked D-glucopyranosyl residues attached as side
chains to approximtety every 2-10 sugar residues of the main chain.

15

III.

Conclusion

Weight loss, mycelial growth pattern differences are thus indications of Pleurotus potential for
degradation of

the

diapers

affirm that

these

fungi

can be

solid waste

bioremediants.

The capacity of Pleurotusostreatus to degrade the components of diaper was proven in the different diaper
brands. This degradation was made possible by the invasive property of the fungal mycelia and the active
enzymes that are being secreted by this.
The flexibility of Pleurotusostreatus to proliferate and thrive on diapers can be exploited to help
hasten the commoditys decomposition process and because the fungus is not toxic even on humans,
people can expect no further harmful effects that may occur.

IV.

Recommendations

On future researches on diaper decomposition, the proliferation of the fungus can be noted on
varying temperatures with close consideration on the activity of each enzymes being secreted. The rate of
fungal growth may also be considered as well as the effect of it on diaper porosity and tensile strength.
Moreover, if proponents can closely focus on how the mycelium of the fungus behave through
microscopic analysis; there would be definitive explanations on how their physiological processes help in
degrading materials.
The capabilities of P. ostreatus for degradation can also be tested on different recalcitrant and
biodegradable materials such as papers, Styrofoam, plastics etc. The enzymes responsible for the
organisms decomposing ability, can also be carefully studied, synthesized and afterwards reproduced
which can be help massive bioremediation efforts

16

References:
AlieSarhanis, CJ Turn, Emily McLaughry, Katie Hartin, McKenna Hayes (2011).
Sustainability Assessment:Seventh Generation Diapers versus gDiapers
Retrieved from www.uvm.edu/~shali/diapers.pdf
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18

APPENDIX
Appendix A. Sample Statistical Treatment
Table 1. Weight (g)change in the used diaper (whole) for
three to six weeks
Diaper Weight
Weight
Initial
with
after
Diaper
after six
weight
myceli three
weeks
a
weeks
A
3.33
4.33
12.53
4.13
B
5.4
6.4
11.83
4.83

Anova: Single
Factor
SUMMARY
Groups
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Column 4

Count
2
2
2
2

Sum
8.73
10.73
24.36
8.96

ANOVA
Source
of
Variation
Between
Groups
Within Groups

SS
df
84.3024
5
3
4.7749 4

Total

89.0773
5
7

Table 6.
(whole)
Diaper
A
B

Average
4.365
5.365
12.18
4.48

Variance
2.14245
2.14245
0.245
0.245

PMS
F
value
28.10081 23.54044 0.0052
7
4
9
1.193725

F crit
6.591382
1
Significant

Weight difference (g) after six weeks for the unused diaper
Diaper
with
mycelia
3.96
4.13

Weight
after six
weeks
3.5
3.83

Weight
difference
0.46
0.3

Significan
ce

19

Anova: Single Factor

SUMMARY
Groups
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3

Count
2
2
2

Sum
8.09
7.33
0.76

Average
4.045
3.665
0.38

SS
16.245233
33

df

Within Groups

0.0817

MS
8.1226166
67
0.0272333
33

Total

16.326933
33

ANOVA
Source
Variation
Between
Groups

Varianc
e
0.01445
0.05445
0.0128

of
2

Table 7. Weight difference (g) after six

(separated)
Diaper
Diaper
with
mycelia
Top
1.77
A
Middle
5.33
Base
1.4
Top
2.43
B
Middle
5.86
Base
2.13

F
298.260
1

P-value
0.00035
4

weeks for the used diaper

Weight
Weight
after
six
difference
weeks
0.897
0.873
4.87
0.46
0.73
0.67
1.57
0.86
4.67
1.19
1.33
0.8

Anova: Single Factor

SUMMARY
Groups

Count

Sum

Column 1
Column 2

6
6

18.92
14.067

Average
3.15333333
3
2.3445

Variance
3.72442666
7
3.6234055

Significan
F crit
ce
9.55209 Significan
4
t

20

Column 3

ANOVA
Source
Variation
Between
Groups
Within
Groups
Total

4.853

0.80883333 0.05861216
3
7

of
SS
df
17.0183274
4
2
37.0322216
7
15
54.0505491
1
17

MS
F
P-value
8.50916372 3.44665942 0.05866
2
5
1
2.46881477
8

F crit
3.6823
2

Significanc
e
NS

21

Table 4. Weight (g) change in the unused diaper (separated) for three to six weeks
Initial
Weight
Weight
Diaper with
Diaper
weigh
after three after
six
mycelia
t
weeks
weeks
Top
0.93
1.43
3.27
0.87
A
Middle
4.27
5.27
10.86
4.43
Base
0.8
1.3
1.13
0.77
Top
1.47
1.97
3.16
1.43
B
Middle
4.97
5.97
10.63
4.67
Base
0.93
1.13
1.53
0.83

Anova: Single Factor

SUMMARY
Groups

Count

Sum

Column 1
Column 2

6
6

13.37
17.07

Column 3

30.58

Column 4

13

ANOVA
Source
Variation

Average
2.22833333
3
2.845
5.09666666
7
2.16666666
7

Variance
3.53433666
7
4.74847
19.8753466
7
3.47014666
7

of

Between Groups
Within Groups

SS
34.0896833
3
158.1415

Total

192.231183
3

df
3
20

MS
11.3632277
8
7.907075

23

Appendix B. PictoralAppearnces of Diaper Inoculated

F
1.43709624
3

P-value
0.26165783
9

F crit

Signif
e

3.098391212

NS

22

P. ostreatus (control) after 3

weeks

Brand A (used) after 3 weeks

Brand B (used) after 3 weeks

Appendix C. Set up preparation

P. ostreatus (control) after

6weeks

Brand A (used) after 6

weeks

Brand B (used) after 6 weeks

23

Cabinet that was used for the set - up

Used diaper not yet cut

Unused diaper cut in 1x1