Composting test method

Tosin, M., Degli-lnnocenti, F. and Bastioli, C., 1998, Detection of a toxic product released by a polyurethane-containing film using a composting test method based on a mineral bed. J. Environ. Polym. Degr. 6 79-90. 

Gross, R.A., Gu, J.-D., Eberiel, D and McCarthy, S.P., 1995, Laboratory-scale composting test methods to determine polymer biodegradability - Model studies on cellulose acetate. J.M.S. - Pure Appl. Chem. A32,613-628. 

The composting test method based on activated vermicuUte was proposed as a comprehensive system for the assessment of the environmental impact of compostable polymers [1, 2]. Vermicnlite, a clay mineral, can be activated (by an inoculation with an appropriate microbial population and fermentation) and used as a sohd matrix in place of mature compost in the controlled composting test. The formula of vermicnlite is (MgJ e,Al)3(Al,Si)40io(OH)2.4H20. The results obtained with two materials (cellulose and a starch-based blend) indicated that activated vermicnlite affected neither the biodegradation rate nor the final biodegradation level. 

There have been numerous communications on the subject of biodegradation test methods, including aerobic compost (30), anaerobic bioreactor (31), general methodology and future directions (32—34), and a fine review article (24). ASTM (22) and MITI (35) have also set forth standard testing protocols for plastics, as shown in Table 2, whereas OECD test methods (29) are more suited to water-soluble polymers. 

Standard test methods for determining aerobic biodegradation of radiolabeled plastic materials in an aqueous or compost environment, ASTM Standard ASTM D 6340-98, ASTM International, West Con-shohocken, PA, 2007. 

D5338-92 Test method for determining aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions n o... 

In Europe, there is currently no standard test method [41 -43 ]. The technical committee 261, which has been operating since 1991, is setting up the standardization of bio degradability testing methods in the field of packaging and the environment. The European Committee of Normalization (ECN) has written a draft about the evaluation of the ultimate bio degradability under controlled composting conditions (Table 2). Other tests are in preparation in different environmental conditions aerobic and anaerobic environment, freshwater, etc. 

Thompson, W.H., P.B. Leege, P. Millner, and M.E. Watson Test methods for the examination of composting and compost U.S. Composting Council (2002), see http //www.tmecc.org/tmecc. 

D5988-96 Standard test method for determining the aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials or residual plastic materials after composting in contact with soil. 

D5512-94 Standard practice for exposing plastics to a simulated compost environment using an externally heated reactor. D6003-96 Standard test method for determining weight loss from plastic materials exposed to a simulated municipal solid waste (MSW) aerobic compost environment. 

Gas evolution tests are popular test methods because they are relatively simple, rapid (days to weeks) and sensitive. A direct measure for mineralisation is determined, and water-soluble or insoluble polymers can be tested as films, powders or objects. Furthermore, the test conditions and inoculum can be adjusted to fit the application or environment in which biodegradation should take place. Aquatic synthetic media are usually used, but also natural sea water or soil samples can be applied as biodegradation environments. A prerequisite for these media is that the backgroimd COa-evolution is limited, which excludes the application of real composting conditions. Biodegradation under composting conditions is therefore measured using an inoculum derived from matured compost with low respiration activity . ... 

ASTM D5338,1998, Standard test method for determining aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions. ASTM Standard D5338-98-el. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Philadelphia (PA), USA. 

ASTM D5338-test method formeasuringbiodegradabilityunder composting environment. 

ISO 14855-2-2012 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions - Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide - Part 2 Gravimetric measurement of carbon dioxide evolved in a laboratory-scale test... 

ASTM D6340-98 Standard Test Methods for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Radiolabeled Plastic Materials in an Aqueous or Compost Environment... 

This method is designed to simulate the typical aerobic composting conditions for the organic fraction of solid mixed mimicipal waste. The test material is exposed to an inoculum which is derived from compost. The composting takes place in an environment wherein temperature, aeration and humidity are closely monitored and controlled. The test method is designed to yield the percentage conversion of the carbon in the test material to evolved carbon dioxide as well as the rate of conversion. 

Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under CraitroUed Composting Conditions. 

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