Optimization study of the effect of synthesized biodegradable polymer films in comparison with LDPE films on municipal solid waste by response surface methodology

• Main Authors: Datta, Deepshikha, Dash, Surya Narayan, Das, Bimal
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodegradability; Biodegradation; Landfills; Leachates; Municipal solid waste; Municipal waste management; Optimization; Plastics; Polymer films; Polymers; Response surface methodology; Solid waste management; Waste disposal; Waste management
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0015769

The random use of plastics and lack of awareness about waste management and their proper disposal is a significant threat to the environment. The municipal waste containing plastics when comes in contact with rain and moisture in the landfill, results in the formation of leachate, which has a very adverse effect on the design and operation of landfills as well as on the environment. The study enumerates the effect of plastic on organic municipal waste. The main objective of the experiment is the sharp monitoring of the settling height of kitchen waste bed with varying percentage of plastic contains and to measure the volume of leachate collected from different container. The leachate quality and property with time has been continuously calibrated. Various parameters like COD, salinity and conductivity have also been elaborately described. The mixed film containing LDPE with 20% corn starch has a higher biodegradation rate compared to virgin LDPE films. It has been found that the presence of plastics have a damaging effect on extend of the biodegradation, formation of leachate and subsequent settlement of the waste beds. It is observed that 15wt% of the plastic material have an optimum effect on waste disposal. Thus this work will help to mitigate the alarming threat imposed by disposal of plastic on municipal solid waste.