Degradation behaviors and environmental impacts of poly (lactic acid) in landfill conditions | |
| Author | Do Doan Thuong Tin |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.MPA-21-09 |
| Subject(s) | Plastics--Environmental aspects Biodegradable plastics Polylactic acid |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Marine Plastics Abatement |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA) is one of the most promising materials for commercially replacing non-degradable materials because PLA is recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. Even though PLA degradation behaviors including microplastic breakdown or raising COD in leachate were not researched thoroughly. This study aimed to investigate the PLA changes in size and weight as well as pH and COD changes in soil and leachate, respectively, during 50 burying days in compost soil under different temperatures (30⁰C and 60⁰C) and moisture contents (100% and +50%). The results showed that neither PLA weight loss nor or size change occurred under 30⁰C regardless moisture content. At the same time, under 60⁰C, PLA weight reduced significantly after 50 days up to 49% in Initial moisture content and 60% in moisture content +50%. In higher moisture content soil, the breakdown of PLA to microplastic was took place faster as after 50 days 100% remained plastic in moisture content +50% soil was microplastic (size 0.3- 5.6mm) while there still was 25% macroplastic (size >5.6mm) in Initial moisture content soil. The experimental results about COD demonstrated the decline of COD in leachates in all conditions. Under 30⁰C, COD decreased in similar rate with or without PLA while under 60⁰C COD decreased in slower rate when PLA presented in soil. This deceleration in COD degradation rate was the result from incomplete PLA degradation. |
| Year | 2021 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Marine Plastic Abatement (MPA) |
| Chairperson(s) | Thammarat Koottatep |
| Examination Committee(s) | Chongrak Polprasert;Xue, Wenchao |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Japan |
| Degree | Research studies project report (M.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2021 |