Compost biodegradation test

Benefit description

The test method used is based on the method reflected in EN ISO 14855 and is based on the measurement of carbon dioxide generated in a compost medium. The inoculum used is stabilised mature compost. The test material is mixed with the inoculum in a 1:6 ratio (dry weight) and sand (320 g dry weight, adding water to obtain a moisture content of 15 %) placed in a 3 litre static vessel where the biodegradability is carried out under optimal aerobic conditions of temperature and humidity for a test period of at least 45 days and a maximum of six months. The test is carried out at a constant temperature of 58 ± 2ºC. Air is supplied inside the reactors to ensure aerobic conditions throughout the test. In addition, the test vessels are shaken twice a week in order to ensure homogeneous air distribution throughout the vessel. The amount of carbon dioxide generated is absorbed in a column with sodium lime and measured at time intervals by weighing the grams of CO2 retained using a precision electronic balance. The percentage of biodegradation is calculated as the ratio of the carbon dioxide generated from the test material to the theoretical maximum amount of carbon dioxide (ThCO2) that can be produced from the test material.