An automated multi-unit composting facility for biodegradability evaluations

A system has been developed for studying the biodegradation of natural and synthetic polymeric material. The system is based on standard methods devel oped by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN TC 261) (ISO/DIS 14 855) and the American Society of Testing Materials, 'ASTM. Standard Test Me thod for Determining Aerobic. Biodegradation of Plastic Materials under Con trolled Composting Conditions' (ASTM D 5338-92). A new low-cost compost fac ility has been used which satisfies the requirements of these standards. Th e system has been automated for data collection and has been run under the conditions specified by the standards. In the system, cellulose, newspaper and two starch-based polymers were treated with compost in a series of 3dm( 3) vessels at 52 degreesC and under conditions of optimum moisture and pH. The degradation was followed over time by measuring the amount of carbon re leased as carbon dioxide. (C) 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.