| In an investigation of the potential of using oyster fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus) to biodegrade alkaline battery constituents, expired and leaking batteries were placed in sawdust along with fungal spawn. Biodegradation progress of the hazardous component, potassium hydroxide, in three treatment containers was compared against the control, i.e., three containers of batteries and sawdust without fungi. After five weeks of fungal growth, the pH of the sawdust mixture had decreased by a significant amount in all three samples of the fungal mixture (from ~10 to below 9), whereas a comparatively small pH decrease was observed in the control mixtures. Further research is needed to determine the long-term viability of using mycelia for biodegradation of alkaline batteries. |