Biodegradation of biodegradable plastics in compost, marine and anaerobic environments

Authors: GREENE, JOSEPH - Chico State University; Torres, Lennard; Cunniffe, Julia; Hart-Cooper, William; Klamczynski, Artur; Glenn, Gregory - Greg; Orts, William

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/16/2021
Publication Date: 2/21/2024
Citation: Greene, J., Torres, L.F., Cunniffe, J.C., Hart-Cooper, W.M., Klamczynski, A.P., Glenn, G.M., Orts, W.J. 2024. Biodegradation of biodegradable plastics in compost, marine and anaerobic environments. Book Chapter. 3-25. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-3613-8_1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-3613-8_1

Interpretive Summary: Biodegradability is an increasingly beneficial property of sustainable materials, particularly for single-use packaging. However, there is a scarcity of information that describes the different ways to test biodegradability in aquatic and compost environments. ARS scientists collaborated with a scientist at Chico State University to write a review chapter that addresses standard biodegradation protocols for different environments. The results of this research will provide laboratories a valuable reference for proper testing and facilitate the generation of valid and accepted biodegradation data.

Technical Abstract: Biodegradability is an increasingly beneficial property of sustainable materials, particularly for single-use packaging. Biodegradation rates can vary dramatically depending on the conditions, whether aerobic or anaerobic, aqueous or nonaqueous (e.g. compost). We describe protocols of several standard biodegradation test methods, spanning marine, compost and anaerobic environments. Simple methods to analyze biodegradation rates are also described