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Biodegradability of degradable plastic waste.
P Agamuthu1, Putri Nadzrul Faizura
1Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. agamuthu@um.edu.my
Summary
Environmentally degradable plastics (EDP) were tested for compostability. These plastics, including polyethylene, showed signs of biodegradation, indicating potential for reducing landfill waste.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Polymer Science
- Waste Management
Background:
- Plastic waste is a significant component of Malaysian municipal solid waste (MSW), with landfills' lifespan diminishing due to slow degradation.
- Environmentally degradable plastics (EDP) offer a potential solution to mitigate plastic waste accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the compostability and biodegradability of polyethylene and pro-oxidant additive-based EDP.
- To assess the degradation pathways and rates under various conditions.
Main Methods:
- Abiotic degradation tests at 60°C (hydrolytic vs. oxidative).
- Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to detect oxidation.
- 45-day composting experiments.
- Microbial degradation tests using Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Main Results:
- Abiotic degradation was primarily oxidative, not hydrolytic, with an 8% weight loss and increased carbonyl groups.
- Composting led to significant reduction in elongation for HDPE and LLDPE samples with additives.
- Microbial tests confirmed biodegradability, showing bacterial growth and weight loss in degraded polyethylene.
Conclusions:
- Pro-oxidant additive-based EDP demonstrates oxidative degradation and biodegradability.
- The rate of degradation is influenced by additive content, plastic structure, and surface area.
- EDP shows promise for reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste in landfills.