Biodegradation and ecotoxicity evaluation of a bionolle and starch blend and its degradation products in compost

Methodologies to assess biodegradation of bioplastics during aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion: A review

“…To conclude, Jayasekara et al (2003) carried out a test on a starch-based bioplastic, in accordance with ASTM E1976-97, exposing the earthworm Eisenia fetida to degraded bioplastic in compost. Juveniles, weight and pathologies of the earthworm were observed for a period of 14 days in comparison with a blank, and the test proved the effective compost safety.…”

Do fiber-reinforced polymer composites provide environmentally benign alternatives? A life-cycle-assessment-based study

“…An important concern for biodegradation is whether the process itself or its products exhibit ecotoxicity, which can be measured with microorganisms, soil fauna, and terrestrial plants. 121 Initial studies support ecological safety of biodegradation for starch blends, 122 cellulose-fi ber-reinforced starch composite, 123 and lactic-acid-based polymers that do not contain the connecting agent 1,4-butane diisocyanate. 124 Although quantitative LCA studies of biodegradation are rare, one such study reported that composting and incineration are comparable in terms of GHG emissions, but incineration provides signifi cantly higher nonrenewable energy recovery.…”

Environmental and resource aspects of sustainable biocomposites

“…The available ecotoxicity tests for biodegradable polymeric materials in compost are usually performed on plants, soil fauna (earthworms), aquatic fauna (Daphnia), algae (green algae), and microbes (luminescent bacteria) [140]. Preliminary ecotoxicological tests on starch blends [141] and modified starch reinforced with various cellulose fibres [142] indicate that the biodegradation products of these materials are ecologically safe. An interesting result was however reported by Tuominen et al [143] in the study of the ecotoxicity of lactic-acid-based polymers under controlled composting conditions.…”