The Effect of Polycaprolactone Polymer Degradation in Compost on Seed Germination

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable synthetic polymer derived from petroleum that can be broken down by microorganisms. Due to its low melting point, it is suitable for composting. PCL has various applications, including in medicine and agriculture. This study investigates whether PCL degradat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IOP conference series. Earth and environmental science 2024-06, Vol.1365 (1), p.12003
Main Authors: Al Hosni, Asma S., Pittman, Jon K., Robson, Geoffrey D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodegradation
Composting
Composts
Degradation
Flowers & plants
Germination
High temperature
Low temperature
Medicinal plants
Melting point
Melting points
Microorganisms
Mustard
Plant extracts
Plant species
Polycaprolactone
Polymers
Seed germination
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Summary:Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable synthetic polymer derived from petroleum that can be broken down by microorganisms. Due to its low melting point, it is suitable for composting. PCL has various applications, including in medicine and agriculture. This study investigates whether PCL degradation in compost affects seed germination. The study tested the effect of PCL extracts from compost with different temperatures and concentrations on the germination of seeds from four edible plant species: cress, lettuce, mustard, and rocket. The results showed that at low temperatures and low PCL concentrations, there was no effect on seed germination. However, at higher temperatures (55°C) and higher PCL concentrations (10% and 5%), there was a signiIicant negative effect on seed germination, with no germination in 10% PCL treatments and only 53.3% germination in 5% PCL treatments. This inhibition was observed across all plant species. The study concludes that high temperatures and high PCL concentrations in compost can negatively impact seed germination.
ISSN:1755-1307
1755-1315
DOI:10.1088/1755-1315/1365/1/012003