Biodegradation of rubber particles in soil

The biodegradation of rubber particles in rubber-soil mixtures at different rubber contents was monitored by the carbon dioxide production. The cumulative carbon dioxide production was modelled according to a two parameter exponential function. The model provides an excellent fit (R2 > 0.98) for the observed data. The two parameters yield a reliable estimate of the half-life for the process observed, but estimation of the true half-life of rubber in soil will need more research.