Protocols Protocol: ISO 23977-2

ISO 23977-2 (2020)

Determination of aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials exposed to seawater — Part 2

  • Aerobic Biodegradability
  • Plastics
  • Seawater
  • BPC Blue

ISO 23977-2: 2020 describes two variations of a test method for determining the biodegradability of plastics materials in natural seawater. The test is performed under mesophilic test conditions for up to two years by incubating plastic materials with either seawater only or with seawater to which a low amount of sediment has been added, coming from the same site where the seawater was taken.

Measurements are based on the consumption of oxygen (BOD) using a closed respirometer by measuring the amount of oxygen required to maintain a constant volume of gas in the respirometer flask, or by measuring the change in volume or pressure either automatically or manually. The level of biodegradation is determined by comparing the BOD with the theoretical amount (ThOD) and expressed in percentage. The test result is the maximum level of biodegradation determined from the plateau phase of the biodegradation curve.

BPC Blue is a fully automated biodegradability testing system suitable for ISO 23977-2. Utilising an in-situ carbon dioxide absorption kit, BPC Blue functions as a closed-respirometer for continuous and on-line measurement of oxygen consumption or depletion caused by aerobic respiration of microorganisms. The instrument is suitable for all test protocols which the measurement principle is based on oxygen demand measurement.

BPC® Blue

Analytical tool for biodegradability and compostability analysis

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Gas Endeavour® III

Precise measurement of gas volume and flow for diverse applications

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