The process of biodegradation is the natural decomposition of substances by microorganisms, without causing harm to the environment. The extent to which decomposition occurs is referred to as a degradation index. Biodegradable materials, on the other hand, are those which can be fully broken down into smaller molecular compounds by various microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and algae, provided the necessary natural conditions are present and measurable.
Tools/Materials
There are several types of biodegradable polymers that are gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly nature. These include polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate, and aliphatic aromatic copolyester. These polymers can decompose easily in the environment and are a great alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics that take years to break down. With the increasing demand for sustainable materials, these biodegradable polymers offer a promising solution for reducing plastic waste and minimizing the environmental impact of human activities.
method/step
The natural process of decomposing substances with the help of microorganisms is known as biodegradation. Microorganisms present in the environment break down substances without causing any harm to the surroundings. The extent to which a material is decomposed is measured by its degradation index. Biodegradable materials can be broken down into smaller, simpler compounds by microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and algae, amongst others. When specific natural environmental conditions are provided, biodegradable materials can be completely decomposed by microorganisms.
To conduct composting of a sample material, it is required to mix it with compost inoculum and place it in a composting container. Adequate composting can be ensured under specified conditions of oxygen, temperature (maintained at 58±2C), and humidity (50-55%). After a period of 45 days, the extent of degradation of the material can be measured by analyzing the final release of CO2, which can be extended up to a total of 6 months. In order to quantify the biodegradation rate of the material, the ratio of the actual release of CO2 to its theoretical maximum release is used.