Insights into the evaluation of the abiotic and biotic degradation rate of commercial pro-oxidant filled polyethylene (PE) thin films

Al–Salem, S.M.; Al-Hazza’A, Abdul Salam Ahmed; Karam, H. J.; Al-Wadi, Majed Hameed; Al-Dhafeeri, A. T.; Al-Rowaih, Aisha Abdullah

doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109475

Cited by 42 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 65 publications

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“…3 below shows the specimens after exposure to UV. This is a direct indication that the additives used to break down the PE bags are oxo-biodegradable and are activated with UV light [9] (Fig. 3).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…3). Composition of each bag is given elsewhere [7]- [9]. Upon completion of the preliminary tests, more samples were placed in the UV chamber for in depth comparison of the oxidation and degradation processes.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The samples were cut into standard testing dimension specimens accepted by international protocols for thin plastic film characterization as described previously. For further details on types of the three bags which will termed Types 1 (yellow), 2 (blue), and 3 (white) herein, the readers are referred to our earlier work cited in this communication [7]- [9] including metal/additive content and experimental campaign for field testing. For the sake of comparison, plastic grades were purchased in the form of a standard grade of polylactide acid (PLA) which is a natural biodegradable material (Ingeo™ Biopolymer 4043D), as well as, a standard type of polyethylene (PE) bag used in an internationally recognised commercial outlet.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Both film and rigid PSW also occupy valuable landfill space and has been related to various environmental stressors in the past [5]. A prime solution as of late is biodegradable plastics that have been popularised recently due to various advantages namely weight and size reduction of material with exposure to humidity and UV light [6]- [9]. Biodegradation refers to a degradation mechanism which involves the breakdown of organic chemical compounds via biological activity into more environmentally acceptable substances such as water, CO 2 , new biomass or mineral salts of any present elements known as mineralisation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This statement is to clarify any misconception and prevent public from misleading information. The reader is referred to Al-Salem et al [7]- [9] for the recent advances in standardization within the State of Kuwait for oxo-biodegradable plastics.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Biodegradable Plastics Fragmentation in Soil and Water: Lessons Learnt and Comparative Assessment With Hydro-Biodegradables

Al–Salem

2020

WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment

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In the current climate, there is a surge of controversy surrounding the topic of plastics. Undeniably and unavoidably, plastic has become a crucial part of this generation. However, the inappropriate disposal of plastic waste, as well as the increase in consumption, provokes serious environmental issues. The rising environmental awareness on a global scale has imposed considerable pressure for associated authorities to take actions. This includes the research into alternative options to conventional plastics which is latched on to a negative reputation. Nevertheless, the greenness of these so called environmentally friendly alternatives is often questionable. Since April 2015, the European Parliament and the Council established Directive (EU) 2015/720, has amended Directive 94/62/EC with regards to reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags. Subsequently, the directive aims to reduce the level of littering of these bags which accumulates in the environment where more plastic-related problems (i.e. marine pollution) aggravates. In this work, a comprehensive fragmentation analysis was conducted on biodegradable plastic bags claimed to be green and environmentally friendly for arid environments. Various biodegradable compounds were tested and verified for such claims in this work. The first stage of the experimental campaign involved conditioning the samples under UV (to trigger decomposition) until fragmentation is reached; and record the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy spectra every 72 hours. The use of a reference material for comparative analysis was also applied, and the material was chosen to be polylactic acid. Furthermore, fragmentation in water was conducted where the plastic is conditioned in an aqueous environment. Lastly, the samples were mixed with sand and mud, and weathering induced fragmentation was continued. Infrared analysis was undertaken and the rate of biodegradation was determined. The above analysis was also used to draw lessons learnt from this exercise for oxo and hydro-biodegradables; and how to best utilize them as a waste management mitigation strategy.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Biodegradable Plastics Fragmentation in Soil and Water: Lessons Learnt and Comparative Assessment With Hydro-Biodegradables

Al–Salem

2020

WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment

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How to Build a Microplastics‐Free Environment: Strategies for Microplastics Degradation and Plastics Recycling

et al. 2022

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Microplastics are an emergent yet critical issue for the environment because of high degradation resistance and bioaccumulation. Unfortunately, the current technologies to remove, recycle, or degrade microplastics are insufficient for complete elimination. In addition, the fragmentation and degradation of mismanaged plastic wastes in environment have recently been identified as a significant source of microplastics. Thus, the developments of effective microplastics removal methods, as well as, plastics recycling strategies are crucial to build a microplastics‐free environment. Herein, this review comprehensively summarizes the current technologies for eliminating microplastics from the environment and highlights two key aspects to achieve this goal: 1) Catalytic degradation of microplastics into environmentally friendly organics (carbon dioxide and water); 2) catalytic recycling and upcycling plastic wastes into monomers, fuels, and valorized chemicals. The mechanisms, catalysts, feasibility, and challenges of these methods are also discussed. Novel catalytic methods such as, photocatalysis, advanced oxidation process, and biotechnology are promising and eco‐friendly candidates to transform microplastics and plastic wastes into environmentally benign and valuable products. In the future, more effort is encouraged to develop eco‐friendly methods for the catalytic conversion of plastics into valuable products with high efficiency, high product selectivity, and low cost under mild conditions.

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Physico‐chemical characterization and degradation analysis of mineral paper: Impact of accelerated weathering and aerobic biodegradation

Fathi,

Abdulkhani,

Hamzeh

et al. 2023

Polymer Composites

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Mineral paper, a synthetic paper‐like material primarily composed of ground calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and a small amount of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), has emerged as an important alternative to traditional paper and board due to the increasing demand for pulp and paper and the shortage of trees and fibrous material in many regions worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the impact of accelerated weathering and aerobic biodegradation on three different types of mineral papers. The specimens underwent 1000 h of accelerated weathering using a Gardner weathering device and were also buried in soil at a depth of 5 cm for 3 months with regular watering conditions for biodegradability testing. Physico‐chemical characterizations such as optical (whiteness), surface (roughness, contact angle, and paper topography), and chemical properties of the samples were studied before and after the artificial weathering and biodegradation tests. The results revealed a visible color change (darkening) in mineral papers, with an increase in HDPE content leading to a darker color after weathering and biological degradation. However, there were no significant differences in the color change between weathering and soil‐burial tests. The biodegradability test resulted in a decrease in ash content due to the demineralization process. All samples' surface roughness was reduced after weathering and biodegradation tests. The FT‐IR and EDS analyses confirmed the presence of calcium, carbon, and oxygen elements in all three samples, indicating a large amount of calcium carbonate in the mineral papers. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed the creation of micro holes and cracks on the surface of the samples after weathering and biodegradation. Overall, the soil‐burial test showed more degradation than the weathering test.Highlights The influence of weathering and biodegradation of mineral papers were studied After soil‐burial test, the ash content decreased due to the demineralization After weathering, micro cracks were created on the surface of the samples The degradation of the soil‐burial test was more than the weathering test Mineral papers most likely contain carbonate calcium and HDPE

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Insights into the evaluation of the abiotic and biotic degradation rate of commercial pro-oxidant filled polyethylene (PE) thin films

Cited by 42 publications

References 65 publications

Biodegradable Plastics Fragmentation in Soil and Water: Lessons Learnt and Comparative Assessment With Hydro-Biodegradables

Biodegradable Plastics Fragmentation in Soil and Water: Lessons Learnt and Comparative Assessment With Hydro-Biodegradables

How to Build a Microplastics‐Free Environment: Strategies for Microplastics Degradation and Plastics Recycling

Physico‐chemical characterization and degradation analysis of mineral paper: Impact of accelerated weathering and aerobic biodegradation

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