From Waste to Resource: Utilizing Chinar Leaf Litter for Oyster Mushroom Cultivation and Pollution Mitigation

Abstract

Biomass burning of horticultural and plantation waste remains a prevalent practice in many developing countries, contributing significantly to air pollution and public health risks. Sustainable waste management strategies, including reuse, recycling, and resource recovery, have gained global attention as alternatives to such harmful practices. This study evaluates the potential of mycoremediation as an eco-friendly approach to managing dry leaf litter, particularly Chinar (Platanus orientalis) leaves, by cultivating oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus). The efficiency of mushroom production was evaluated, and a theoretical framework was used to examine the potential for air pollution mitigation. Our findings indicate that Chinar leaf litter serves as a viable substrate for Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation. The complete colonization of the substrate (spawn run) occurred within 26 days, followed by the emergence of pinheads on the 33rd day and full development of fruiting bodies by the 36th day. The mushrooms cultivated on Chinar leaves exhibited high nutritional value, with crude protein content of 25.03±1.12% and crude fiber content of 18.55±1.27%. These results demonstrate that Chinar leaf litter, often discarded and burned, can be transformed into a valuable food resource, reducing environmental pollution. This study is the first to explore the potential of Chinar leaves for Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation, providing a novel and sustainable solution to biomass burning.