02375nam a2200253 4500 14194 14194 Ref 373.07 N2199 2026 Nature's recyclers : exploring the potential of oyster mushroom fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus) in revolutionizing sustainable plastic waste reduction / by Julia Margaret M. Buñol, Cassandra Beatrice J. Gallinero, Cara Simone T. Herradura, Adriano Iñigo C. Lamata, and Mary Antonette F. Mayo. [Iloilo City] : [Ateneo de Iloilo], c2026. 68 p. Plastic waste is a serious environmental problem due to improper disposal and the slow degradation of plastics such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). This study examined the potential of Oyster Mushroom Fungi (Pleurotus Ostreatus) as a natural and eco-friendly method of reducing plastic waste through mycoremediation by applying different fungal concentrations (25%, 50%, 75, and 100%) to HDPE and LDPE samples and comparing them with a soil-only control group. A true experimental design was applied through the use of complete randomized set up. Different concentrations of Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were applied to LDPE and HDPE samples, with a soil-only group serving as the control. Plastic degradation was measured through weight loss analysis after 31 days of incubation. Degradation was measured through weight loss analysis and observation using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Results showed that HDPE samples exhibited measurable weight loss, with lower fungal concentrations showing better degradation, while LDPE samples gained weight due to fungal growth and moisture retention, indicating limited degradation under the given conditions. These findings suggest that Oyster Mushroom Fungi (Pleurotus Ostreatus) has potential in degrading HDPE plastics and may contribute to sustainable plastic waste management. 300-399 Pleurotus ostreatus. Plastic wastes. Biodegradation. Bioremediation. Fungi. Waste minimization. Buñol, Julia Margaret M. Gallinero, Cassandra Beatrice J. Herradura, Cara Simone T. Lamata, Adriano Iñigo C. Mayo, Mary Antonette F. ddc BK 0 0 ddc 0 0 REF HSL HSL REF 2026-06-18 Donation D-211 Ref 373.07 N2199 2026 HSD-211 2026-07-13 1 2026-06-18 BK