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An automated multi‐unit composting facility for biodegradability evaluations
Author(s) -
Jayasekara Ranjith,
Lonergan Greg T,
Harding Ian,
Bowater Ian,
Halley Peter,
Christie Gregor B
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.388
Subject(s) - compost , biodegradation , waste management , environmental science , starch , cellulose , moisture , pulp and paper industry , materials science , engineering , chemistry , chemical engineering , composite material , organic chemistry
Abstract A system has been developed for studying the biodegradation of natural and synthetic polymeric material. The system is based on standard methods developed by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN TC 261) (ISO/DIS 14855) and the American Society of Testing Materials, ‘ASTM Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials under Controlled Composting Conditions’ (ASTM D 5338‐92). A new low‐cost compost facility has been used which satisfies the requirements of these standards. The system has been automated for data collection and has been run under the conditions specified by the standards. In the system, cellulose, newspaper and two starch‐based polymers were treated with compost in a series of 3 dm 3 vessels at 52 °C and under conditions of optimum moisture and pH. The degradation was followed over time by measuring the amount of carbon released as carbon dioxide. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry