SEM-Based Surface Morphology and EDX Elemental Characterization of Plastic Plates Treated with Penicillium notatum

Abstract

Plastic waste exhibits a significant environmental challenge as of its resistance to natural degradation, the study aimed to characterize outer layer morphological changes and elemental composition Related to with fungal treatment of plastic plates using imaging electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and basic mapping. A refined isolate of Penicillium notatum, collected from soil, was used for fungal exposure. SEM examination revealed surface-associated structures and morphological features; it may be associated using fungal interaction with the plastic material. Assess of 50 size measurements produced a mean of 34.96 ± 9.85 nm, with a median of 35.32 nm and a range of 16.68–56.95 nm. EDX assess detected carbon (56.40 wt%), oxygen (36.31 wt%), chlorine (7.29 wt%), with carbon and oxygen accounting for 92.71 wt% of the detected elemental composition. Elemental mapping showed a widespread distribution of carbon, whereas oxygen and chlorine exhibited comparatively less uniform distributions. These findings provide preliminary evidence of surface and elemental characteristics associated with fungal-treated plastic plates. For, because an untreated control, mass-loss measurements and polymer specific chemical analyses were unavailable, the observed findings cannot independently confirm polymer biodegradation or establish changes in the polymer's chemical structure, the studies incorporating appropriate controls and complementary analytical techniques are required to verify the biodegradation potential of P. notatum.