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Fate of a Polyacrylate Polymer during Composting of Simulated Municipal Solid Waste
Author(s) -
Cook Bruce D.,
Bloom Paul R.,
Halbach Thomas R.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1997.00472425002600030005x
Subject(s) - polymer , biodegradation , monomer , municipal solid waste , chemistry , degradation (telecommunications) , molar mass distribution , soil water , environmental chemistry , waste treatment , waste management , organic chemistry , environmental science , telecommunications , computer science , soil science , engineering
The need to understand the biological reactivity of polymers has increased in response to the integration of biological waste treatment systems (e.g., composting and soil application) into waste management plans of communities worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compostibility and fate of a commonly used, synthetic polymer that is present in most solid waste streams. This was accomplished using a laboratory‐scale composting system, simulated solid waste, and crosslinked 14 C‐polyacrylate. Commercial preparations were composed primarily of a high‐molecular‐weight fraction (>500 kDa) that was resistant to degradation. Only the unpolymerized monomers and low‐molecular‐weight oligomers (totaling about 8% of the commercial preparation) were readily degraded during composting. Polymer crosslinkages were also degraded rapidly. Degradation of the low‐molecular‐weight fractions was considered significant, because these fractions have demonstrated a greater mobility potential in soils. Molecular size distribution and infrared (IR) spectra of extractable organic fractions confirmed that the structural integrity of the polymer chains was maintained during composting. These residual, high‐molecular‐weight polyacrylates could improve soil structure, and should continue to degrade slowly leaving no toxic residues.