What is ISO 23977-1 about?
ISO 23977 discusses the determination of the aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials exposed to seawater. ISO 23977-1 is the first part of the multi-series ISO 23977 and discusses a method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide.
ISO 23977-1 specifies a laboratory test method for determining the degree and rate of the aerobic biodegradation level of plastic material. Biodegradation is determined by measuring the CO2 evolved from plastic material when exposed to seawater sampled from coastal areas under laboratory conditions.
The conditions described in ISO 23977-1 might not always correspond to the optimum conditions for the maximum degree of biodegradation; however, ISO 23977-1 is designed to give an indication of the potential biodegradation of plastic materials.
Who is ISO 23977-1 for?
ISO 23977-1 on the determination of the aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials exposed to seawater is useful for:
- Plastic manufacturers
- Quality control personnel
- Government and research institutions
- Environment protection personnel
Why should you use ISO 23977-1?
The degradability of plastic materials exposed to the marine environment is one of the factors affecting the impact and strength of effects. The uncontrolled dispersion of biodegradable plastics in natural environments is not desirable. The biodegradability of products cannot be considered as an excuse to spread wastes that should be recovered and recycled. However, test methods to measure the rate and level of biodegradation in natural environments are of interest to better characterize the behaviour of plastics in these very particular environments. Thus, the degree and rate of biodegradation are of major interest to obtain an indication of the potential biodegradability of plastic materials when exposed to different marine habitats.
ISO 23977-1 provides a test method for determining the biodegradation level of plastic materials exposed to the microbial population present in seawater from a pelagic zone under laboratory conditions. The biodegradation is followed by measuring the evolved CO2.
The pelagic seawater test simulates the conditions found in offshore areas with low water currents and low tidal movements, whereas the suspended sediment seawater test simulates conditions that might be found in coastal areas with stronger water currents and tidal movements.
So, ISO 23977-1 helps to save the environment from getting polluted by harmful plastic waste which will affect the health of the people.