Mycoremediation of AA Alkaline Batteries through White Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

Authors

  • Brian Christoper Barachina
  • Elwin Dale Dirain

Keywords:

Mycoremediation, AA Alkaline, White Mushroom

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Currently, there is no reliable method to completely dispose of household hazardous waste. This study aims to examine the potential using White Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)as a method of biodegrading hazardous waste, specifically, the alkaline batteries. Agaricus bisporusis able to biodegrade these toxins, because of the enzymes from the mycelia, such as ligninases.

METHODS

Expired and leaking batteries were placed in sawdust along with the fungal spawn. As the spawn grew, the pH was monitored to determine whether the hazardous component -potassium hydroxide-was indeed degraded. A control sample of batteries and sawdust without fungi was used as a comparative tool. The fungi were then allowed to grow for one week and the method used was ASTDM 4972-01*.

RESULTS

Results found that the pH of the sawdust mixture decreased after one week by significant amount in all three samples of the fungal mixture. The control mixture exhibited a comparatively small decrease in ph. The alkalinity of the batteries were significantly weakened after one week of exposure to the fungal spawn. After the experiment, the result was 5.48. intesting, we used the Test Parameter, Unit (pH of 20% solution @ 25 degrees C). In one week, the fungi were able to significantly reduce the pH of the hazardous component. When exposed to the mycelia, the rate of reduction of pH was drastically increased relative to the rate without the fungi. (t value= -19.65)

DISCUSSIONS

This study displays a method of accelerating the degradation of household hazardous waste. However, based on the result given by the testing center, the pH was decreased. Further research is necessary to determine the long term potency of such a method. This study examined the effectiveness of mycelia in the biodegradation of alkaline batteries.

Published

2019-01-18