Degradation Behavior of Biodegradable Plastics in Thermophilic Landfill Soil and Wastewater Sludge Conditions

In this study, three common biodegradable plastics, namely, poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were all buried in a mixture of landfill soil wastewater sludge incubated under thermophilic (61°C) oxygen-limited conditions. At the end 90-day test, degradation ranking order was PHBV > PBS PBAT. Only completely degraded over 60 days, while PBAT displayed 24.04% ± 3.37% 18.26% 3.77% weight loss, respectively. The differences disintegration profiles among these materials observed. results showed that lost its thickness from edges specimens. Both reduced into small fragile fragments during process. SEM micrographs revealed irregular roughness with many holes cracks characteristic PHBV, slightly smooth surfaces found on All continuous decreases thermal stability percentage carbon content molecular structures after test. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy chemical structure changed biodegradation both unchanged same test However, peak for carboxylate ions samples. Having deep understanding degradability behavior can contribute to development plastic waste management future.