Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By Nicole Morgan (Investigative Reporter)
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Icky Solution To Diaper Waste: Grow Mushrooms On Them

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


 

 

(N.Morgan) Diapers are leaving what could be devastating effects on the environment, since they are not biodegradable, but some researchers have found a way to degrade them by growing mushrooms on them! Another innovation to saving our environment and getting rid of waste. Now using disposable diapers won’t be such a drag on the environment or ecosystem. Disposable diapers are made of some of the most indestructible materials on Earth, but a group of researchers has found a way to degrade the soiled garments: by growing mushrooms on them. The scientists grew the oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus on a substance made from used diapers, and were able to reduce the diaper’s weight and volume by up to 80 percent, according to a news statement. Disposable diapers last for hundreds of years in landfills, and the average baby goes through 8,000 diapers during its infancy, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diapers contain the plant-based material cellulose, which mushrooms consume, but they also contain nonbiodegradable materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and a superabsorbent gel known as sodium polyacrylate. To grow the fungus, the researchers only used diapers that contained liquid waste. They sterilized the garments in an autoclave, a device that subjects them to high-pressure steam. The scientists then ground up the diaper remains and mixed them with lignin from the remains of pressed grapes, coffee or pineapple tops. (Lignin is a woody substance the mushrooms need in order to grow.) The researchers also used commercially available fungus spores grown on wheat or sorghum, which they spread on the diaper mixture. The icky substance was kept in a plastic bag for three weeks in the dark, under controlled temperature and humidity, and was then exposed to light.

 

 

After 10 to 12 weeks, the diaper mixture degraded enough to reduce its volume and weight by up to 80 percent, the researchers said. For example, about 2.2 lbs. (1 kilogram) of diapers would end up as 7 to 10 ounces  (200 to 300 grams) of mushrooms. Although the main purpose of growing the mushrooms was to degrade the diapers, the researchers decided to taste their crop. They knew the diapers did not contain any contaminants or parasites, since the diapers were sterilized. They also determined that these mushrooms had similar amounts of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals as commercial yeast. However, the mushrooms were grown on a small scale, and were not intended to be sold for human consumption, the researchers said. Nevertheless, they could be used as a supplement for cattle feed. The synthetic materials in the diapers could aid the mushrooms’ growth, possibly by providing air pockets and giving the fungi room to develop, the researchers said. The plastic materials could later be recycled, and the remnants of the superabsorbent gel from the diapers could be added to soils that don’t retain moisture well, to reduce the amount of irrigation needed, the researchers added.

 

 

 

 

 

To degrade disposable diapers, scientists found a way to grow mushrooms on them.
Credit: Image courtesy of Investigación y Desarrollo

 

 

 

 

 

More Stories Contributed By N. Morgan



Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.