Biodegradability definition
According to
Towards Common Ground –
Meeting Summary of the International Workshop on Biodegradability,
Annapolis, MD, USA, 1992.
· For all practical purposes of applying a definition, material manufactured to be biodegradable must relate to a specific disposal pathway such as composting, sewage treatment, denitrification, or anaerobic sludge treatment.
· The rate of degradation of a material manufactured to be biodegradable has to be consistent with the disposal method and other components of the pathway into which it is introduced, such that accumulation is controlled.
· The ultimate end products of aerobic biodegradation of a material manufactured to be biodegradable are carbon dioxide, water and minerals and that the intermediate products include biomass and humic materials. (Anaerobic biodegradation was discussed in less detail by the participants).
· Materials must biodegrade safely and not negatively impact on the disposal process or the use of the end product of the disposal.
CPOLYMER + O2 --------------> CO2 + H2O + CRESIDUE + CBIOMASS
CPOLYMER --------------------> CO2 + CH4 + H2O + CRESIDUE + CBIOMASS
