Compost degradation

Generally, compared with composting, degradation in soil is slower and less predictable, due to lower soil temperature and variability in environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature) and soil composition. 

The compost degradation rate of some biodegradable polymers is significantly enhanced after nanocomposite preparation with organically modified layered silicate and we can control the biodegradability by judicious choice of clay. 

Starch mixed with polyethene is also known as biobased (hydrodegradable) material and reaches the American Standards for Testing Materials as well as the European norms for compostability degrading in 60% under 180 days. 

Composting by the addition of readily degradable hulking agents is also a useful option for relatively small volumes of excavated contaminated soil. 

Jones, RW. and Westmoreland, D.J. (1998). Degradation of nonylphenol ethoxylates during the composting of sludges from wool scour effluents. Environmental Science and Technology 32, 2623-2627. 

There are important requirements that may be necessary, and an additional substrate may be required either to promote cell growth or to serve as a reductant. Degradation may be functional under low oxygen concentrations and be facilitated by the presence of straw compost (Laine and Jorgensen 1996). 

Degradation products of LDPE/(BHT, Chimassorb 944) after long-term exposure to compost, water and air (chemical hydrolysis at pH 5 and pH 7) at room temperature were examined by GC-MS [277] the structural changes in the LDPE film were monitored by DSC and SEC. Among the 79 low-MW degradation products identified by GC-MS the main components were... 

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