Continuous automated measurement of carbon dioxide produced by microorganisms in aerobic conditions: application to proteic film biodegradation

Abstract

A new automated set-up based on the original Sturm test was developed for determining the biodegradability of proteic mulching films. This method is based on the measurement of released (respiratory metabolism of microorganisms) carbon dioxide to determine film biodegradability. Maintenance of constant aerobic conditions in thermoregulated bioreactors and continuous measurement of released CO 2 with an infrared differential gas analyser were the main advantages of this set-up. It was verified with a plasticised proteic film that soil extracts could be used as microbial sources instead of activated sludge that was usually used in laboratory biodegradation tests. .