Testing the biodegradability and biodegradation rates of degradable/biode-gradable plastics within simulated environment

key words: degradable, biodegradable, plastic bags, aerobic conditions, anaerobic conditions

Summary:

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the biodegradability and biodegradation rates of ‘single-use' plastic bags available on the market and labeled as degradable/biodegradable. The test was carried out under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The project length was 20 months. The biodegradation results in the laboratory conditions demonstrate that none of the degradable/ biodegradable bags showed visual changes and/or were broken into pieces and none of them experienced any disintegration or degradation. The cellulose filter paper (CFP) completely degraded after 10 days in the aerobic conditions and after 5 month in the anaerobic conditions, implying that the conditions required for biodegradation to occur in a sampling environment were present.

 

 

Citation:

Vaverková M., Kotovicová J., Adamcová D. 2011, vol. 8. Testing the biodegradability and biodegradation rates of degradable/biode-gradable plastics within simulated environment. Infrastruktura i Ekologia Terenów Wiejskich. Nr 2011, vol. 8/ 12