Effect of the inoculation level in aerobic biodegradability tests of polymeric materials

The composition and the quantity of the microbial inoculum are well-known factors affecting the reproducibility of results of biodegradability tests. Experiments with polyhydroxy–butyrate/valerate (PHBV, a biopolymer), cellulose (natural polymer) and acetate (soluble substance) as substrates were ca...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International biodeterioration & biodegradation 2006-07, Vol.58 (1), p.44-47
Main Authors: Vázquez-Rodríguez, Gabriela A., Calmon, Anne, Silvestre, Françoise, Goma, Gérard, Rols, Jean-Luc
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accumulation
Acetates
Activated
Aeration tanks
Biodegradability
Biodegradability test
Biodegradation
Biopolymers
Carbon
Carbon balance
Carbon content
Cellular
Cellulose
Inoculation
Inoculum
Microorganisms
Mineralization
Natural polymers
Packaging
Polymeric material
S0/ X0 ratio
Tanks
Wastewater treatment
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Summary:The composition and the quantity of the microbial inoculum are well-known factors affecting the reproducibility of results of biodegradability tests. Experiments with polyhydroxy–butyrate/valerate (PHBV, a biopolymer), cellulose (natural polymer) and acetate (soluble substance) as substrates were carried out to evaluate the impact of non-controlled inocula on test response. The European Committee of Normalization (ECN) Standard for packaging materials was the method chosen to evaluate the ultimate aerobic biodegradability, in order to establish carbon balances. Inocula were obtained from activated sludges sampled in the aerated tank of a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Activated sludges were collected at different periods, so the inoculum concentration ( X 0) in the test was dependent on the seasonal variations of the source. As the initial carbon content ( S 0) was maintained to a well-defined value, various S 0/ X 0 ratios were obtained. At high S 0/ X 0 ratios, cellular growth and soluble residual carbon accumulation were favoured and low mineralization levels were obtained. An increase in the quantity of mineralized carbon due to a low S 0/ X 0 ratio seems to support the notion of standardized biodegradability tests in relation to this parameter, which could enhance the reliability of test results of polymeric materials.
ISSN:0964-8305
1879-0208
DOI:10.1016/j.ibiod.2006.04.006