Biodegradation of synthetic polymers in soils: Tracking carbon into CO₂ and microbial biomass.

ABSTRACT: Plastic materials are widely used in agricultural applications to achieve food security for the growing world population. The use of biodegradable instead of nonbiodegradable polymers in single-use agricultural applications, including plastic mulching, promises to reduce plastic accumulation in the environment. We present a novel approach that allows tracking of carbon from biodegradable polymers into CO₂ and microbial biomass. The approach is based on ¹³C-labeled polymers and on isotope-specific analytical methods, including nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). Our results unequivocally demonstrate the biodegradability of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), an important polyester used in agriculture, in soil. Carbon from each monom

SUBMITTER: Zumstein MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6059733 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature