Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil

Importancia y uso:

5.1 The degree and rate of aerobic biodegradability of a plastic material in the environment determines the extent to which and time period over which plastic materials are mineralized by soil microorganisms. Disposal is becoming a major issue with the increasing use of plastics, and the results of this test method permit an estimation of the degree of biodegradability and the time period over which plastics will remain in an aerobic soil environment. This test method determines the degree of aerobic biodegradation by measuring evolved carbon dioxide as a function of time that the plastic is exposed to soil.

5.2 Soil is an extremely species-rich source of inoculum for evaluation of the biodegradability of plastics in the environment. When maintained appropriately with regard to moisture content and oxygen availability, the biological activity is quite considerable, although lower than other biologically active environments, such as activated sewage-sludge or compost.

Subcomité:

D20.96

Referida por:

D7991-22, D6954-24

Volúmen:

08.03

Número ICS:

13.030.10 (Solid wastes)

Palabras clave:

aerobic; biodegradation; degree (of biodegradation); mineralization; plastics; soil;