Accelerated degradation tests were performed on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fluids in aqueous solutions and in extreme chemical conditions (pH 2-4 and 9-12). Results confirmed that silicones can be degraded by hydrolysis. Higher degradation levels were achieved in very acidic and alkaline conditions. Degradation products are probably polar siloxanols. In alkaline conditions, the counter-ion was found to have a strong influence on degradation level. Degradation kinetic studies (46 days) were also performed at different pH values. Supposing zeroth-order kinetics, degradation rate constants at 24 °C were estimated to 0.28 mgSi L(-1) day(-1) in NaOH solution (pH 12), 0.07 mgSi L(-1) day(-1) in HCl solution (pH 2) and 0.002 mgSi L(-1) day(-1) in demineralised water (pH 6). From these results, the following hypothesis was drawn: PDMS hydrolysis could occur in wastewater treatment plants and in landfill cells. It may be a first step in the formation of volatile organic silicon compounds (VOSiCs, including siloxanes) in biogas: coupled to biodegradation and (self-) condensation of degradation products, it could finally lead to VOSiCs.

Recently a lot of attention has been focused on volatile organic silicon compounds (VOSiC) present in biogases. They induce costly problems due to silicate formation during biogas combustion in valorisation engine. The cost of converting landfill gas and digester gas into electricity is adversely affected by this undesirable presence. VOSiC in biogases spark off formation of silicate deposits in combustion chambers. They engender abrasion of the inner surfaces leading to serious damage, which causes frequent service interruptions, thus reducing the economic benefit of biogases. It is already known that these VOSiC originate from polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) hydrolysis. PDMS (silicones) are used in a wide range of consumer and industrial applications. PDMS are released into the environment through landfills and wastewater treatment plants. There is a lack of knowledge concerning PDMS biodegradation during waste storage. Consequently, understanding PDMS behaviour in landfill cells and in sludge digester is particularly important. In this article, we focused on microbial degradation of PDMS through laboratory experiments. Preliminary test concerning anaerobic biodegradation of various PDMS have been investigated. Results demonstrate that the biotic step has an obvious influence on PDMS biodegradation.

No abstract

No abstract