High-Solids, Anaerobic Biodegradation Tests

A new biodegradation test method for bioplastics was first developed by the ASTM and was accepted as ASTM D5511-94 [65]. Later, the same method was also introduced at ISO level as ISO/DIS 15985 [66]. 

Another category of dry, anaerobic biodegradation tests are landfill simulation tests. These tests have primarily been developed in the USA where biologically active landfills represent a viable waste management option for the future. In Europe however, much less interest is shown for biodegradation characteristics in landfills, especially after the adoption in 1999 of the EU landfill directive, which is phasing out the disposal of biodegradable materials in landfills. 

---

ASTM D 5511-94, Standard test method for determining anaerobic biodegradation of plastic material under high solid anaerobic digestion conditions. 

In another study, the ultimate anaerobic biodegradability and disintegration under high-solids anaerobic digestion was evaluated based on carbon conversion of the test substance to methane and carbon dioxide after 45 days, according to ISO 15985 [3]. Figure 29.8 shows that anaerobic decomposition of PLA occurs at 52 dz 2°C under high-solids and static, nonmixed conditions. 

ASTM D5511 Test method for measuring biodegradability in a high solids anaerobic digester... 

ISO 15985 describes a test method for the determination of the ultimate anaerobic biodegradation and disintegration under high-solids anaerobic-digestion conditions. The standard uses measurement of released biogas (carbon dioxide and methane). 

ASTM D5511-02, Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions, 2002. 

The D20.96 Committee of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) worked intensively on test methods for water-insoluble polymers and plastic materials [38,39]. Since 1993, five standards for biodegradation of plastic materials in various conditions have been published (Table 2), and other test methods with different environments are nearing completion [39], i.e., anaerobic high-solid digestor and anaerobic accelerated landfill to simulate the fate of a material during solid waste management. Other experimental methods need to be developed for freshwater and simulated marine conditions. 

---