A New Test Method for Determining Biodegradation of Plastic Material Under Controlled Aerobic Conditions in a Soil-Simulation Solid Environment

• Published in: Journal of polymers and the environment Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 39 - 48
• Main Authors: Grima, Sophie, Bellon-Maurel, Veronique, Silvestre, Francoise, Feuilloley, Pierre
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Nature B.V 01-01-2001; Springer Verlag
• Subjects: Activation analysis; Aerobic conditions; Biodegradation; Carbon dioxide; Cellulose; Composition effects; Concentration (composition); Environmental Sciences; Inert; Nutrient concentrations; Nutrients; Soil (material); Soils; Test methods
• ISSN: 1566-2543; 1572-8919; 1572-8900
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1016044504688

A new test method is described for assessing biodegradation of plastic material under simulated soil conditions. An inert substrate can be activated with soil extract and nutrient and used in place of soil in biodegradation tests. The biodegradation level is evaluated by determining the carbon dioxide (CO sub(2)) production released by the test reactors. Effects of substrate nature, solution pH, nutrient composition, soil extract concentration, and activation duration on CO sub(2) production were investigated, and the experimental conditions were optimized. Results obtained with cellulose showed a biodegradation rate of 80% within 28 days. Moreover, with this kind of substrate, reaction products and residues can be easily extracted and analysed.