Degradation in an Inert Solid Medium of Poly(Lactic Acid) Polymeric Material by Kibdelosporangium aridum

Abstract

The aim of this work was to estimate the biodegradation of a poly(lactic acid) polymeric material by the actinomycetes Kibdelosporangium aridum using a vermiculite based inert solid medium which could simulate compost medium and enable us to achieve complete carbon balances. The mineralisation rate at the end of the test was compared to those obtained for two basal media. It was shown that cumulative mineralisation after 45 days of degradation was greater (70%) in vermiculite with a basal medium containing gelatin than in vermiculite with a basal medium containing glucose (20%).

Evaluation of Biodegradability of Polylactic Acid Films in the Soil

“…CO 2 evolution, weight loss, and molecular weights were measured to evaluate the extent of degradation. The polymer carbon is converted by microorganisms into biomass carbon, carbon dioxide, water soluble by-products and polymer carbon which is not yet degraded (Copinet et al, 2011). Regarding the role of tensile strength to evaluate degradability of polymers (Mostafa et al, 2010 andOrhan et al, 2004) reported that loss in tensile properties is the most relevant practical criterion to characterize degradation of polymer films or fibers that contact with the soil.…”

“…In most applications that use films or fibers in contact with the soil, loss in tensile properties is the most relevant practical criterion to characterize its degradation (Mostafa et al, 2010 andOrhan et al, 2004). The polymer carbon is converted by microorganisms into biomass carbon, carbon dioxide, water soluble by-products and polymer carbon which is not yet degraded (Copinet et al, 2011).…”