MushBox: In Situ Biodegration of Municipal Solid Waste Through Mycoremediation via Mycelium and Cellulosic Waste Integration.

Samarth Basanth 

Exponential buildup of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in landfills accounting for 60% of the 292.4 million tons, presents a major environmental challenge. This leads to ecological disruptions, groundwater contamination, wildlife harm from microplastics, and contributes to climate change. MushBox deploys mycoremediation to decompose MSW, leveraging the unique capabilities of mycelium. This avant-garde approach unfolds in situ within the complex MSW environment, facilitated by the MushBox—a modular brick acting as a transformative "seed" held together by reutilized cellulosic waste. Upon placement in landfills, the MushBox instigates mycelial growth, branching out and methodically breaking down waste until senescence. Various fungal strains were evaluated to optimize efficacy, including Pestalotiopsis, Aspergillus SP, Pleurotus Ostreatus, Mucor Hiemalis, Penicillium Funiculosum, and Phanerochaete Chrysosporium, by conducting tests on MSW samples obtained through data aggregation during landfill scoping. Separate testing concluded degradation of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, lignin, pharmaceutical waste, small metalloids, polyurethane plastic, and organic matter. Various types of cellulosic waste were also tested for ability to host mycelial colonization. An AI program was built to provide landfill specific MushBox production and integration. Combinations of test results were used to create variants. Refined 1x1x1 foot decomposed 1.19 tons of MSW in landfill testing in a span of a year. Self built computer modeling showcases exponential increase of MSW breakdown by MushBox volume. Project showcases that MushBox transcends traditional waste management, serving as a regenerative and recyclable scalability catalyst proven for arable land reclamation, leachate and microplastic removal, and combatant to climate change due to MSW breakdown.