Molecular identification of fungi isolated from used rubber and estimates of their ability to degrade rubber

Magdy, Nourhan; Abdel-Motaal, Fatma Fakhry; El-Aref, Hamdy Mohamed; Abou-Ellail, Mohamed

doi:10.21608/aujst.2025.355932.1170

Molecular identification of fungi isolated from used rubber and estimates of their ability to degrade rubber

Document Type : Original papers

Authors

¹ Genetic Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Aswan University, Aswan 81528, Egypt

² Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan 81528, Egypt

³ Genetic Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Egypt

⁴ Genetics Department,Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Aswan University

10.21608/aujst.2025.355932.1170

Abstract

This study explores the use of fungi for sustainable waste tire disposal. Waste tires pose significant environmental and health risks due to slow degradation and harmful disposal methods. Isolated fungi were identified morphologically and using molecular techniques. The internal spacer of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique identified genetic diversity among the fungal isolates. The findings suggest that fungi, especially Aspergillus nidulans, offer a viable and eco-friendly solution for waste tire management. The ITS1/ITS4 gene was used to identify Aspergillus nidulans, A. fumigatus, and A. oryzae. Four Aspergillus (A. niger, A. nidulans, A. fumigatus, and A. oryzae) isolates were evaluated for their ability to degrade rubber. Aspergillus nidulans recorded the highest growth and enzymatic activity, including laccase and peroxidase production. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis revealed significant rubber degradation by A. nidulans. This study emphasizes the potential of fungal species in the sustainable decomposition of rubber, providing an environmentally acceptable alternative for tire waste management.

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