Pleorotus Ostreatus as an Alternative Degrader for Baby Diapers

Background of the Study:

The total percentage covered for disposable diapers aloe is 4.10% in the
wholewide world. Baby diapers, known for its conveniency is conidered as necessary in
the entire society. Disposable Baby diapers are designed to absorb and retain infants'
urine and feces while keeping the skin dry and healthy and is easily and hygienically
disposed of in household wastes [www. edana org., 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2018]. It's
true that baby diapers are essential to us but such large amount of these disposed is
considered hazardous because most of the time proper waste disposalis not observed for
they are often thrown in landfills and open dumps where high biomass is wasted.
[www.MDPI.com/journal/sustainability,2015. Retrieved July 2018]. Baby diapers take
more or less than 10-15 years to decompose because of its cellulose component.

Cellulose Acetate, is a natural polymer with a wide range of properties. It is well-

known as the most absorbent part of disposable diapers and is the hardest to degrade.
Considering that the global production for cellulose acetate materials was over 800,000
metric tons per year in 2008, it is important to understand the fate of discarded CA-based
products. [Edgar K et.al, November 2010], also, cellulose acetate is a renewable resource
[Baldrian, P; Valascova, V].

Cellulose components can possibly be degraded by different kinds of UV

wavelengths [Springerlink.com, Buchanan, CM et.al, 2010, Retrieved July 2018] , but it
takes a lot of time that most people would not want to waste their effort into; also
considering that the UV length they used started at 50C. which is so risky. so, fungi is the
other simpler option.

Most fungi live on dead wod or litter which are rich in cellulose. One of these is
the Pleorotus Ostreatus. Pleorotus Ostreatus exhibit potential and is possible to degrade
the cellulose found in disposable diapers.

The researchers conducted this study because as we observe nowadays,

disposable diapers are always mixed with other wastes when they are dumped on
dumpsites that cause threat in the environment. Also, it takes a lot of space that should be
reserved for building houses for the ascending population. Lastly, this aims to help people
observe and promote a better and non-toxic solution to degrade discarded CA-based
products.

Statement of the problem [SOP]

 [Main Problem]

This study aims to determine if Pkeorotus Ostreatus is capable of degrading

disposable diapers.

Specifically, it aims to answer he following questions:

1. How long will it take for the Pleorotus Ostreatus to fully degrade disposable diapers?

2. What is the weight difference of baby diapers before and after the application of
Pleorotus Ostreatus?

3. What will be the possible co-substrate of Pleorotus Ostreatus to enhance its ability to
degrade disposable baby diapers?

Significance of the Study:

Considering the increasing number of diapers scattered and improperly thrown in

our community, this study was conducted to determine the ability of Pleorotus Ostreatus
in degrading baby diapers. The study also aims to improve the quality of diaper
degradation in most sanitary landfields.

The findings of the study will contribute to safer and faster way of degrading
diapers rather than waiting for the diaper to degrade itself for 10-15 years.

In addition, the researchers of the study also wanted to help the community
especially for those people who work in sanitary landfields for them to properly degrade
disposable diapers in a simple and cost-free way and which is eco-friendly to the
environment.

Research Hypothesis

Alternative Hypothesis:

1) Pleorotus Ostreatus is able to degrade the Cellulose Acetate content present on

baby diapers.

2) There is a significant difference on the amount of Cellulose Acetate degraded

on baby diapers after the application of the co-substrates; "tuyo" and wet paper.
Null Hypothesis:

1) Pleorotus Ostreatus is not able to degrade the Cellulose Actate content present
on baby diapers.

2) There is no significant difference on the amount of Cellulose Acetate degraded

on baby diapers after the application of the co-substrates; "tuyo" and wet paper.

3) There is no weight difference of the baby diapers before and after the
application of the substrate and the co-substrates.

Scope and Delimitations

This research is limited to determine the effectiveness of Pleorotus Ostreatus and

its co-substrates ( "tuyo"and wet paper ) as a degrador for baby diapers.

Pleorotus Ostreatus was chosen by the researchers due to the presence of

Cellulose Acetate on it which would degrade the diapers faster.

Pleorotus Ostreatus or the oyster mushrooms and the "tuyo" which will be used
for the study/project will be collected at Tabuk City, Kalinga and the experimentation will
be conducted by the researchers at the Science Laboratory of Lepanto National High
School.

Methodology

A. Collection of Materials

Six (6) unused disposable diapers will be gathered for the study. Next will be the
collection of six packs of fully grown Pleorotus Ostreatus and the "tuyo" from Tabuk
City, Kalinga and will be delivered to Lepanto National High School's Laboratory where
the experimentation will take place. The wet paper which will be used will be collected at
Palpaltogan, Lepanto.

B. Application of the Substrates and the Co-Substrates

Application of the substrates and thee Co-substrates in the prepared unused

disposable diapers. The set up will be as follows: Set up 1 will contain Pleorotus
Ostreatus with the diaper; Set up 2 will contain PLeorotus OStreatus and "tuyo" with the
diper; Set up 3 will contain Pleorotus Ostreatus and wet paper with the diapers; Set up 4
will contain "tuyo" with the diapers; and Set up 6 will contain Pleorotus Ostreatus,
"tuyo", and wet paper with the diaper.
C. Fixation of the Set-Up Area

Cabinets of the same size will be used.

D. Primary Observation

After 1 week, Pleorotus Ostreatus along with the co-substrates; "tuuyo" and wet
paper, and the diapers will be observed accordingly by their weight difference before and
after the experiment, in color (discoloration if there are), anad will undergo microscopic
observation with the help of Lepanto National High School's Laboratory under the
supervision of LNHS' Science and Research teachers.

E.Replication of the Study

The study which has six (6) set ups will be replicated 3 times. Result analysis and
data will be noted by the researchers.

G. Statistics

Paradigm of the Study

*Input

Pleorotus Ostreatus

wet papers

"tuyo"

diapers

*Process

1) Application of the substrate and the co-substrates;

a) Pleorotus Ostreatus on diaper

b) Pleorotus Ostreatus with wet paper on diaper

c) Pleorotus Ostreatus with tuyo on diaper

d) Pleorotus Ostreatus with wet paper and "tuyo" on diaper

e) "tuyo" on diaper
f) wet paper on diaper

2) Microscopic observation then Replication of the study (3 times)

*Output

Degraded Cellulose Acetate content of baby diapers

Journal No.1

Title: Assessment of Gardening Wastes as a co-substrate for diaper degradation by the

fungus PLeorotus Ostreatus

Authors: Rosa Maria Espinosa. Valdemar, Aesthia Vazquez- Morillas Sara Ojeda-
Benitez, Gabriela Arango, Escorcia, Sonia Cabrera. Elizalde, Xochitl Quecholac- Pina,
Maribel Velasco- Perez, and Perla X. Sotelo- Navarro

Date of Publication: May 15, 2015

Name of Journal: OPEN ACCESS sustainability

Website: www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Date of Accession: June 11, 2018

·0 According to Espinosa- Valdemar, straw is not easily obtained in urban centers,

which is the place where higher producers of diapers are. Thereforw, Pleorotus
Ostreatus is more abundant and can be used as an alternative degrador of baby
diapers than straw.

·1 Study showed that baby diapers without plastic and wheat straw resulted in higher
reduction of day weight.

·2 On the average composition of baby diapers available in the mexican market, it

showed that 50.2% of the whole wheat composition is cellulose pulp.

·3 As baby diapers are often thrown in landfills and open dumps, etc., high biomass
is wasted thus the resources of human for food *Although biomass is a renewable
source, production capacity of this commodity is limited.

·4 It takes 10-=15 years of baby diapers to degrade alone.

Journal No.2

Title: Degradation of Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic by Pleorotus Ostreatus

Authors: Jose Maria Rodriguez da Luz, Sirlaine Albino Paes, Mateus Dias Nuns,
Marliane de Cassia Soares da Silva, Maria Catarina Megumi Kasuya

Date of Publication: August 15, 2013

Name of Journal; OPEN ACESS sustainability

Website: www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainaility

Date of Accession: June 14, 2018

·5 Pleorotus Ostreatus could do physical changes on the surfaces of plastic wastes

such as formation of holes, cracks, and fungal colonization.

·6 Pleorotus Ostreatus had an effect on Oxo-biodegradable plastic strip of 45 days

incubation at 25 degrees C. temperature.

·7 Discoloration on plastic strips were evident after the mushroom's application.

Journal No.3

Title: Pollutants Biodegradation by Fungi

Authors: C.Pinedo, Rivilla, J. Aleu and I.G. Collacio

Date of Publication: 2009

Name of Journal Current Organic Chemistry

Date of Accession: June 24, 2018

·8 Bioremediation- process by which living organisms degrade or transform

hazardous organic contaminants to less toxic compounds.

·9 Fungal hyphae- can penetrate contaminated soil to reach the pollutants.

·10 Bioxemediation was also used in oil pollution and contaminants.

·11 Fungi also exhibit greater potential in degrading the aliphatic hydrocarbon
compounds of used motor oil, cyanide compounds, pesticides, fungicides,
 intecticides, and herbicides.

·12 Basidiomycetous fungi are among its most potent degraders because they live on
dead wood or litter which are rich in cellulose.

·13 Fungi possess catabollic activities that can transform complex to AC compounds
into lesser ones.

·14 Fungi can also be used in bioremediating industrial dyes, polymers, and other
industries.

Journal No.4

Title: Degradation of Cellulose Acetate- Based Materials: a review

Authors: Juergen Puls, Steven A. Wilson, Dirk Holter

Date of Publication: November 20, 2010

Name of Journal:

Website:

Date of Accession: July 2, 2018

·15 Cellulose Acetate (C.A.) is a natural polymer with a wide range of properties.

·16 Global production for Cellulose Acetate matrials was over 800,000 metric tons
per year in 2008.

·17 Cellulose Acetate polymer have good potential for environmental degradation.

·18 Cellulose Acetate is made from raw materials with a high content of cellulose.

Researchers Profile

Leader

Name: Angelica Tandoc Dela Cruz

Grade Level: Grade 10

Bithdate: October 17, 2003

Age: 14
Members

Name: Camille Masa-ao Delos Reyes

Grade Level: Grade 10

Birthdate: March 14, 2003

Age: 15

Name: Shaiana Labintas Aranca

Grade Level: Grade 10

Birthdate: January 08, 2003

Age: 15