Microbially degradable phenolic foams based on depolymerized kraft lignin for hydrophilic applications.

Hydrophilic phenol-formaldehyde (PF) foams, widely used in floral and hydroponic applications, are produced using phenol typically derived from non-renewable petroleum-based resources. This study examines the potential of depolymerized Kraft lignin (DKL) as a sustainable substitute for phenol in the synthesis of hydrophilic biobased foams. At 50 % DKL substitution, the foams demonstrated excellent water absorption capacities (up to 2557 %), relatively low densities (∼62 kg/m), and nearly 100 % open-cell content.

Fungal biodegradation of low-density polyethylene using consortium of species under controlled conditions.

Low-Density polyethylene is subject to biodegradation using a fungal consortium comprising of , and under laboratory conditions. The extent of biodegradation has been compared with the use of potato dextrose broth and czapek dox broth media and also in the presence and absence of Tween 80 additive. Biodegradation was performed replacing the sucrose in czapek dox broth with shredded Low-Density polyethylene as well.