(570e) Biodegradation of Lignocellulosic Bioplastics Synthesized through Regeneration of Biomass Dissolved in Ionic Liquids.

Petrochemical derived plastics are a hazardous pollutant which can remain in soil environments for over a thousand years. Due to the presence of cellulose and lignin metabolizing enzymes in soils, lignocellulosic bioplastics offer a biodegradable alternative to contemporary single-use plastics, shortening the lifespan of plastic waste. This study looks at the effect of lignin on biodegradation of lignocellulosic bioplastics under various environmental conditions (moisture content, sandy versus loamy soil, and the use of compost). Bioplastics were produced via regeneration of lignocellulosic biomass from ionic liquid solvents. Three different lignin loading levels (0, 5, and 10 wt% lignin) were evaluated against two control plastic samples, a commercially available bioplastic and low-density polyethylene. Biodegradation and disintegration were quantified via weight change over the course of six weeks. It was found that the lignocellulosic films regenerated from ionic liquids experienced more rapid degradation than the commercially available bioplastics although the effect of lignin solids loading was negligible. It was also found that the soil type and inclusion of compost were statistically significant factors affecting the extent of biodegradation. The inclusion of compost accelerated degradation likely due to a greater abundance of microbes capable of digesting lignocellulosic biomass. Abrasion between the bioplastics and sandy soil may have impacted the film surface morphology increasing the extent of degradation in comparison with loamy soil.