ARS | Publication request: BIODEGRADATION OF NEWS INKS WITH "MODIFIED STURM TEST"

Submitted to: Taga Proceedings
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: August 5, 1995
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Biodegradation of four-colored news inks were tested by using the "Modified Sturm Test" (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development). In our previous studies, we have used mixed cultures of soil microorganisms and determined the biodegradation gravimetrically. In this method, test organisms were obtained from activated sewage sludge, and the extent of degradation was determined by measuring carbon dioxide produced as the inks degraded. USDA's 100% soy oil based inks degraded much faster and more completely than commercial partial soy oil based and petroleum based inks. Thus, the USDA ink offers environmental advantage, as well as other superior qualities, i.e., no petroleum, less ruboff and lower cost than any commercial news ink.

Technical Abstract: For our previous studies using mixed cultures of soil microorganisms, the biodegradation of ink vehicles and formulated four colored inks was determined gravimetrically. Now, we report results from biodegradation of the four- colored news inks by using the "Modified Sturm Test" (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development). In this method, test organisms are obtained from activated sludge, and the extent of degradation is determined by measuring carbon dioxide evolution. Biodegradation data for commercial news inks consisting of vehicles containing petroleum resins, and either soybean or mineral oil solvents, and USDA's vehicle containing 100% soy oil, are reported and discussed.