EXTRACTABLE FORMALDEHYDE FROM WASTE MEDIUM DENSITY FIBREBOARD

Currently, Malaysia is one of the main producers of medium density fibreboard (MDF) in the Asia Pacific region. The adhesives used are mainly formaldehyde-based. These adhesives emit formaldehyde that pose a problem to the environment when the boards degrade. This study investigated the amount of extractable formaldehyde, effects of degraded medium density fibreboard on soil and the ability of fungi to degrade waste MDF. Medium density fibreboard of two thicknesses, 6 and 18 mm, were used. The extractable formaldehyde was determined in accordance with EN717-3:1996 E flask method. The unsterile soil burial and monoculture fungal tests were carried out in accordance with BS 1982: 1990. The monoculture fungi used were white rot fungi, Coriolus versicolor, Lentinus sajor-caju and Shizophyllum commune and brown rot fungus, Gloeophyllum trabeum. The amount of extractable formaldehyde was found to decrease with time. The weight loss of soil burial and monoculture samples were substantial. The degradation of waste MDF had affected the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soils and the exchangeable cation content in the soil. The weight loss caused by L. sajor-caju was higher compared with that caused by C. versicolor, S. commune and G. trabeum.