Biodegradation of ethylene vinyl alcohol by aerobic organisms in an aqueous environment
- Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States). Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is a thermoplastic used extensively in laminates for food containers. This study investigates the biodegradability of EVOH utilizing ASTM Test Method D5271. This method indicates the extent and rate of biodegradation of plastic materials by aerobic microorganisms in an aqueous environment and is performed in a respirometer. The ethylene derived segments of the EVOH contain {sup 14}C which acts as tracer to measure biodegradation as indicated by the {sup 14}C-CO{sub 2} given off by microbial metabolism. Liquid scintillation counting measured the activity of the respired {sup 14}C-CO{sub 2} converted from the ethylene segments of the EVOH. Three physical forms of EVOH were tested: a pure EVOH, a high surface area EVOH, and a blended form of EVOH with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). The reactors with these EVOH forms were set up to receive a weekly influx of microorganisms (inoculum), or various amounts of POH as a co-substrate. Results to date have indicated that an increased surface area for the EVOH increases conversion of {sup 14}C relative to the pure EVOH. Some cases with blended EVOH/PVOH reactors have also showed increased conversion of {sup 14}C relative to the pure EVOH cases. The addition of inoculum to the reactors did not seem to significantly increase the conversion of {sup 14}C as compared to the effect of PVOH addition. PVOH co-substrate addition increased {sup 14}C conversion. Also, increasing the amount of PVOH co-substrate addition further increases the conversion of {sup 14}C.
- OSTI ID:
- 395360
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9505206-; TRN: IM9648%%483
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 50. Purdue industrial waste conference, W. Lafayette, IN (United States), 8-10 May 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the 50. industrial waste conference; Wukasch, R.F. [ed.]; PB: 861 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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