Research of the biodegradability of degradable/biodegradable plastic material in various types of environments (original) (raw)
Related papers
Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S, 2012
Study of the Biodegrability of Degradable/Biodegradable Plastic Material in a Controlled Composting Environment The objective of this study was to determine the degrability/biodegradability of disposable plastic bags available on the market that are labeled as degradable/biodegradable and those certified as compost. The investigated materials were obtained from chain stores in the Czech Republic and Poland. Seven kinds of bags (commercially available) were used in this study. One of them was a disposable bag made of HDPE and mixed with totally degradable plastic additive (TDPA additive). Another was a disposable made of polyethylene with the addition of pro-oxidant additive (d2w additive). One was labeled as 100% degradable within various periods of time, from three months up to three years, and four were certified as compostable. The test was carried out in a controlled composting environment. The biodisintegration degree of the obtained pieces was evaluated following a modified ve...
Repeated research of biodegradability of plastics materials in real composting conditions
Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 2013
The aim of this paper was to verify information obtained by repeated research provide in 2011 and 2012 in real composting conditions and check information about biodegradability of plastics bags in real composting conditions. In both cases samples were placed into frames and inserted into one clamp within the compost pile to investigate the biodegradation. The plastics bags were obtained from chain stores in the Czech Republic and Poland. The shopping bags were made of HDPE with the TDPA additive (sample 2), PP with an addition of pro-oxidants (d 2 w) (sample 1, 3) and materials certifi ed as compostable (starch, polycaprolactone) (sample 4, 5, 6, 7). Control sample (cellulose fi ltering paper, sample 8) was to check the potential of biological decomposition in the tested environment. At the end of the 15-week experimental period it was found that the polyethylene samples with the additive (sample 1, 2, 3) had not been decomposed, their colour had not changed and that no degradation neither physical changes had occurred (did not biodegrade). Samples certifi ed as compostable (sample 4, 5, 6, 7) were decomposed. The results at the municipal compost facility demonstrate that the compostable plastics biodegrade and polyethylene samples with the additive did not biodegrade in compost. biodegradation, 100%-degradable bags, compostable bags, composting, real conditions verifi cation of research Address
Journal of Ecological Engineering, 2016
Plastic is a relatively cheap, durable and versatile material. Plastic products have brought benefits to society in terms of economic activity, jobs and quality of life. Plastics can even help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in many circumstances, even in some packaging applications when compared to the alternatives [Mudgal et al. 2011]. However, plastic waste also imposes negative environmental externalities. It is usually non-biodegradable and therefore can remain as waste in the environment for a very long time; it may pose risks to human health as well as the environment; and
Biodegradability of degradable plastic waste
Waste Management & Research, 2005
Plastic waste constitutes the third largest waste volume in Malaysian municipal solid waste (MSW), next to putrescible waste and paper. The plastic component in MSW from Kuala Lumpur averages 24% (by weight), whereas the national mean is about 15%. The 144 waste dumps in the country receive about 95% of the MSW, including plastic waste. The useful life of the landfills is fast diminishing as the plastic waste stays un-degraded for more than 50 years. In this study the compostability of polyethylene and pro-oxidant additive-based environmentally degradable plastics (EDP) was investigated. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) samples exposed hydrolytically or oxidatively at 60°C showed that the abiotic degradation path was oxidative rather than hydrolytic. There was a weight loss of 8% and the plastic has been oxidized as shown by the additional carbonyl group exhibited in the Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) Spectrum. Oxidation rate seemed to be influenced by the amount of pro-oxidant additive, the chemical structure and morphology of the plastic samples, and the surface area. Composting studies during a 45-day experiment showed that the percentage elongation (reduction) was 20% for McD samples [high-density polyethylene, (HDPE) with 3% additive] and LL samples (LLDPE with 7% additive) and 18% reduction for totally degradable plastic (TDP) samples (HDPE with 3% additive). Lastly, microbial experiments using Pseudomonas aeroginosa on carbon-free media with degradable plastic samples as the sole carbon source, showed confirmatory results. A positive bacterial growth and a weight loss of 2.2% for degraded polyethylene samples were evident to show that the degradable plastic is biodegradable.
The Effect of Biodegradation/Degradation of Degradable Plastic Material on Compost Quality
Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S, 2013
The objective of this study was to find out whether the quality of compost would change during the process of composting carrier bags claimed by manufacturers as compostable or biodegradable in terms of parameters stipulated in the standard ČSN 46 5735 Industrial composts. Eight samples were subjected to the composting process in laboratory conditions. The compost samples were analyzed in the accredited laboratory. All samples met parameters stipulated for Class II. Seven samples of the eight met parameters stipulated in the standard ČSN 46 5735 for Class I. The samples had no influence on compost characteristics: strength, content of water and salt, pH value, content of nutrients or proportion of organic substances; other components of the compost remained unchanged. Optical changes of the compost did not occur either.
Do the degradable/biodegradable plastic materials decompose in domestic compost bin?
2014
Biodegradation of plastic materials advertised as degradable/biodegradable or certified as compostable was tested in composting conditions (domestic compost bin). This study was carried out in order to assess the biodegradability of the samples under real conditions of home composting, and to find out whether there were any physical changes in terms of their thickness when exposed to natural composting environment. The samples were obtained from retail chains in the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and the UK. The experimental samples were placed in home compost bins and were checked and visually assessed during the experiment, which lasted 14 weeks. From the results it can be concluded that the polyethylene samples with the additive (samples A, B and E) have not decomposed, their colour has not changed and that no degradation neither physical changes has occurred. Samples C, F have not decomposed. Samples certified as compostable G, H and I have not decomposed. Sample D exhibited t...
Evaluation of biodegradability of plastics bags in composting conditions
Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S, 2014
Biodegradation of plastics bags advertised as 100%-degradable or certified as compostable was tested in composting conditions. Samples were placed into frames and inserted into one clamp within the compost pile to investigate the biodegradation. The plastics bags were obtained from chain stores in the Czech Republic and Poland. The shopping bags were made of HDPE with the TDPA additive (sample 2), PP with an addition of pro-oxidants (d2w) (samples 1, 3) and materials certified as compostable (starch, polycaprolactone) (samples 4, 5, 6, 7). Control sample (cellulose filtering paper, sample 8) was to check the potential of biological decomposition in the tested environment. At the end of the 12-week experimental period it was found that the polyethylene samples with the additive (samples 1, 2, 3) had not been decomposed, their colour had not changed and that no degradation neither physical changes had occurred (did not biodegrade). Samples certified as compostable (samples 4, 5, 6, 7)...
Behaviour of biodegradable plastics in composting facilities
Waste Management, 2005
Composting is a preferred treatment strategy for biodegradable plastics (BDPs). In this sense, the collection of BDPs together with organic household wastes is a highly discussed possibility. Under the aspect of the behaviour of BDPs in composting facilities, a telephone survey was carried out with selected composting facility operators. They were interviewed with respect to treated wastes, content of impurities, processes for impurity separation, experiences with biodegradable plastics and assumptions to the behaviour of biodegradable plastics in their facility.
Biodegradation of Compostable Plastics in Green Yard-Waste Compost Environment
Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 2007
Compostable plastic materials, produced from Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), corn starch, or sugar cane, degraded in a green yard-waste compost environment. The compostable plastics claim to meet ASTM D6400 standards for biodegradation, sustainable plant growth, and eco-toxicity. Biodegradation was measured by disintegration studies over 20 weeks. The commercially available compostable products, made from PLA, sugar cane, or corn starch, biodegraded while in a commercial compost facility with other common yard waste compostable items. The PLA container, cup, and knife completely degraded in 7-weeks at a rate similar to the Avicell micro-cellulose control. The cornstarch-based trash bag and sugar cane plate degraded at a similar rate as the Kraft paper control. The three materials degraded between 80% and 90% after 20 weeks.
Degradable plastics and their potential for affecting solid waste systems
WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, 2014
Plastic waste forms a substantial part of municipal solid waste and has caused environmental concerns, particularly due to the chemical contamination of the environment and effects from persistent litter. Plastics also complicate waste management processes, such as by having poor recovery rates through recycling and causing contamination in composting operations. One potential means of addressing some of these challenges is through degradable plastics, which unlike conventional plastics, are designed to decompose at an accelerated rate in specific environments. Degradable plastics aim to address the end-of-life of plastic products and are intended to reduce the environmental impacts associated with their use and management. The first generation of degradable plastics did not meet marketing claims; some of the more recent formulations, partly as a consequence of third party certifications, are more compliant. However, many plastics that are labelled as degradable do not decompose very readily, and it is not clear that litter will be diminished to any great degree through their use. In addition, user confusion regarding degradable definitions is common. Multiple formulations mean that not all degradable plastics address compost contamination and most degradable plastics do not address other problems associated with plastics waste management. Therefore it is not clear that degradable plastics constitute a major technological advance. In fact, they may be more harmful than helpful to waste management systems at this time. Here we discuss how these materials perform in different aspects of solid waste programs: recycling, composting, WTE incineration and landfills, as well as the potential for these plastics to reduce litter problems, both on land and at sea.