Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Marine Environment by a Defined Microbial Consortium or Natural Sea Water Inoculum

Abstract

5.1 The use of plastics aboard ships is on the rise and the use of the sea as a trash dumping site is no longer a possibility; consequently, the disposal of plastic materials while at sea remains a major issue. It is possible that biodegradable plastics will help to allay public concern by allowing for the safe disposal of plastic materials at sea. This test method has been developed to assess the rate and degree of aerobic biodegradation of plastics exposed to marine microorganisms. Aerobic biodegradation is determined by measuring the amount of biogas (carbon dioxide) produced during such an exposure. 5.2 It is acceptable to use the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradability of a plastic under the conditions of this test method to estimate the persistence of that plastic in biologically active marine environments, for example, seashore and open-ocean. However, it shall be recognized that predicting long-term environmental fate and effects from the results of short-term exposure to a simulated marine environment is difficult. Thus, caution shall be exercised when extrapolating the results obtained from this or any other controlled-environment test to disposal in the natural environment.