Study of environmental biodegradation of LDPE films in soil using optical and scanning electron microscopy |
| |
| Authors: | Tabassum Mumtaz M.R. Khan Mohd Ali Hassan |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;2. CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;3. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research & Green UP/CITAB-UP, Porto, Portugal;4. Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina – Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Arquiteto Lobão Vital, Apartado 2511, 4202-401 Porto, Portugal |
| |
| Abstract: | An outdoor soil burial test was carried out to evaluate the degradation of commercially available LDPE carrier bags in natural soil for up to 2 years. Biodegradability of low density polyethylene films in soil was monitored using both optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 7–9 months of soil exposure, microbial colonization was evident on the film surface. Exposed LDPE samples exhibit progressive changes towards degradation after 17–22 months. SEM images reveal signs of degradation such as exfoliation and formation of cracks on film leading to disintegration. The possible degradation mode and consequences on the use and disposal of LDPE films is discussed. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录！ |
|
