Research Options

Eden Research Lab

‣ASTM D5511-11
‣Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions Considering Gas Evolution

‣Monitors the level of microbial activity of anaerobic organisms (inoculum) as they are exposed to test material.
‣If the inoculum recognizes the test material as a nutrient source, then an increase in activity is recorded in the form of gas evolution.
‣The evolved gas is monitored for volume and composition.
• Volume by water displacement
•Composition by Gas Chromatograph (CO2 & CH4)
‣Samples are setup in triplicate and and run against three or four triplicate controls.
• Positive Control - Cellulose
• Negative Control - Polyethylene
• Inoculum Control - Background
• Negative Untreated Control - Optional
‣Results are reported in percent biodegraded per time tested.

ASTM D5511-11
‣Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions Considering Gas Evolution

Biodegration Testing

The consumer has become increasingly wary of manufactures’ claims of environmental friendliness. Is that product biodegradable, compostable and recyclable? We are here to provide the truth for the manufacturer and the consumer.

Eden Research Laboratory is a specialized independent testing facility focusing on determination of rate of biodegradation of manufactured products. We employ existing recognized methods but do not preclude innovative new technologies and concepts to establish a scientific basis for biodegradation.

Biodegradability testing, both aerobic and anaerobic, of plastics, rubber and most manufactured products.

Methane Potential
‣Test Method to Determine Anaerobic Biodegradation Potential Based on Methanogenisis as a Percent of Total Potential

Let us do the science

‣ASTM D5988-03
‣Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation in Soil of Plastic Materials or Residual Plastic Materials After Composting

‣Monitors the level of microbial activity of aerobic organisms (inoculum) as they are exposed to test material.
‣If the inoculum recognizes the test material as a nutrient source, then an increase in activity is recorded in the form of gas evolution.
‣The evolved gas is absorbed and precipitated in a caustic solution.
•Reverse titration is employed to determine amount of CO2 evolved from sample.
‣Samples are setup in triplicate and and run against three or four triplicate controls.
• Positive Control - Cellulose
• Negative Control - Polyethylene
• Inoculum Control - Background
• Negative Untreated Control - Optional
‣Results are reported in percent biodegraded per time tested.

‣Mass Loss Analysis
‣Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions Considering Change In Mass

‣Monitors the level of microbial activity of anaerobic organisms (inoculum) as they are exposed to test material.
‣If the inoculum recognizes the test material as a nutrient source, then an increase in activity is recorded in the form of mass loss.
‣The evolved gas is monitored for CH4 to ensure anaerobic conditions exist.
•CH4 by Gas Chromatograph
‣Samples are setup as a Singlet and and run against three or four controls.
• Positive Control - Cellulose
• Negative Control - Polyethylene
• Inoculum Control - Background
• Negative Untreated Control - Optional
‣Results are reported in percent biodegraded per time tested as a function of mass loss.

GPC - Gel Permeation Chromatography
‣Analysis of Polymer Molecular Weight Distributions

Toxicity Testing
‣Analysis of Resulting Inoculum for Toxicity