The Effect of Low Electrical Voltage on the Growth of Chlorella vulgaris in the Degradation of LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) Plastic Waste
Lailatus Sholiha, Mei Lilis Suryani, Fathan Tara, Intan Febriani, Renasya Athira Firzana, Dimas Firmanda Al Riza*

Department of Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Brawijaya University, Jl. Veteran
65145, Malang, Indonesia
Email : dimasfirmanda[at]ub.ac.id

Abstract

Plastic waste is a global problem that continues to increase every year. Based on data from the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment in 2020, Indonesia is stated to have produced more than 3.2 million tons of plastic waste. One of the factors causing plastic waste in Indonesia to increase is because many people still use plastic bags in their daily lives. However, please note that the process of recycling plastic waste so that it decomposes naturally requires a very long period of time. The existence of this plastic waste has a negative impact on the environment, so it is necessary to do research on the degradation of LDPE plastic waste assisted by microalgae of the type Chlorella vulgaris which are grown in photobioreactors with low voltage variations. The results of the degradation of LDPE plastic waste can be analyzed using the Fourier - transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) method and optimization of the degradation results can be calculated based on the dry weight equation which can be carried out after a 30 day degradation period by the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. So, this research is expected to be able to help degrade plastic waste in the community and become a novelty in the growth of Chlorella vulgaris which is assisted by low voltage variations.

Keywords: chlorella vulgaris, degradation, LDPE, microalgae, voltage

Topic: Waste and environmental management