Mineralizing effectiveness of Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus djamor in the treatment of lignocellulosic waste from cigarette butts, Cusco (Peru)

Abstract

Considering the environmental pollution caused by cigarette butts, due to their toxic content which hinders their proper recycling, this study applied a mineralizing and detoxifying treatment using saprobic macromycetes—Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus dejamor—as regenerative treatment systems for the mineralization of toxic substances, particularly through the enzymatic degradation of cellulose and lignin fibers via cellulase activity. Fungal growth occurred under controlled conditions of humidity, temperature, and light exposure. The degradation of lignocellulosic fibers was monitored using SEM analysis at 45 and 75 days, while EDS analysis was used to evaluate the mineralization of key elements. Weekly evaluations (every three days) over a four-month period confirmed the progressive growth of the mycelium on the cigarette butt substrate. The results showed increased mineralization of Cl and S at 45 days, and of Ti, Si, and Al at 75 days. Controlled environmental parameters were essential for basidiomycete development, with carbon availability being a key growth factor. The resulting substrate is characterized by being partially degraded, demineralized, and containing fewer toxic substances; therefore, it can be reused as raw material, contributing to circular economy strategies, improving waste valorization, and ultimately achieving zero environmental impact.