Paper Title
Biodegradation of a Synthetic Textile Containing PVC by Trametes Versicolor

Abstract
Disposal of synthetic textile waste by landfill is likely to pose a risk of environmental pollution problems. Biodegradation remains a viable textile waste management alternative. The objective of this study is to evaluate the biodegradability of textiles containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by acclimated and non-acclimated Trametesversicolor and to measure the speed of mycelial propagation. A technique of liquid inoculation by mycelial fragments and subsequent fermentation is used. Mycelium propagation is analyzed over time using photogrammetry with photo analysis being carried out using ImageJ software. After 21 days, the inoculated samples are significantly absorbed and the fungal biomass increased. The difference in mass is used to quantify the substrate’s biodegradation. Images of samples inoculated with previously acclimated fungus to PVC liquid culture show that the fungal strain T. versicolor colonized and metabolically degraded PVC textile waste thereby causing a loss of weight. The results suggest that previously acclimated fungus is an attractive alternative for biological treatment of PVC waste. Keywords: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Plastic waste management, White rot fungi, Biodegradation.