Standard Methods for Plastic Biodegradation Studies

Test parameters Measurement/ indicator Microbial system References 

Microbial growth Microseopie observation, determination of turbidity, protein or phospholipid eontent Pure or mixed eulture 13-15 

Polymer utilization Weight loss, turbidity, CO2 evolution Pure, mixed eulture, natural ecosystem or cell-free enzyme extract 16, 17 

Changes in polymer eharaeteristies Change in molecular weight by GPC, tensile strength and pereentage elongation by NMR/FTIR Pure cultiue 10, 18, 19 

Microbial activities Gas produetion or oxygen eonsumption Sewage sludge, compost, pure/mixed culture or samples from natural ecosystem 8 11, 18 

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