Biodegradation of protective masks (COVID-19) in compost and aqueous media

Original scientific paper

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2298/CICEQ230921021V

Keywords:

Protective masks, linen/cotton, himalayan hemp, respirometry, FTIR

Abstract

The study of biodegradation of facial masks made of natural and synthetic materials was performed. The experimental part was performed with a respirometer from the Slovenian manufacturer ECHO Instruments. We conducted a preliminary test to select the compost with the highest activity for further work. The rate of biodegradation of the materials was calculated based on measurements of the carbon dioxide produced in the reactors. The biodegradability results of the materials were verified using FTIR spectroscopy and microscope images. Masks made of linen and cotton particles performed best biodegradation at 72 %, while particles of masks made of polypropylene (PP) did not degrade. Since there are no studies on biodegradability in water, the second part of our study was to investigate the rate of degradation of the masks in wastewater. Based on the FTIR spectra obtained, the presence of new functional groups on the surface of the protective masks was confirmed as a result of the oxidation process. Humovit compost was chosen as the inoculum for the water medium. We determined the highest degree of biodegradation for the linen/cotton mask (67 % in 75 days).

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31.05.2024

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Copyright (c) 2023 Julija Volmajer Valh, Matejka Turel, Andrej Holobar, Marjana Simonič

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How to Cite

Biodegradation of protective masks (COVID-19) in compost and aqueous media: Original scientific paper. (2024). Chemical Industry & Chemical Engineering Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.2298/CICEQ230921021V

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