The influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the rate of degradation of poly(lactic) acid (PLA) coupons buried in compost and soil

Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) is a compostable biopolymer and has been commercialised for the for the manufacture of short-shelf life products. As a result, increasing amounts of PLA are entering waste management systems and the environment; however, the degradation mechanism is unclear. While hydrolysis of the polymer occurs abiotically at elevated temperature in the presence of water, potential catalytic role for microbes in this process is yet to be established. In this study, we examined the degradation of PLA coupons from commercial packaging at a range of temperatures (25°, 37°, 45°, 50° and 55 °C) in soil and compost and compared with the degradation rates in sterile aqueous conditions by measuring loss of tensile strength and molecular weight (Mw). In addition, in order to assess the possible influence of abiotic soluble factors in compost and soil on degradation of PLA, degradation rates in microorganism-rich compost and soil were compared with sterile compost and soil extract at 50 °C. Temperature was determined to be the key parameter in PLA degradation and degradation rates in microorganism-rich compost and soil were faster than in sterile water at temperatures 45° and 50 °C determined by tensile strength and Mw loss. Furthermore, all tensile strength was lost faster after 30 and 36 days in microorganism-rich compost and soil, respectively, than in sterile compost and soil extract, 57 and 54 days, respectively at 50 °C. Significantly more Mw, 68% and 64%, was lost in compost and soil, respectively than in compost extract, Mw, 53%; and in soil extract, 57%. Therefore, degradation rates were faster in microorganism-rich compost and soil than in sterile compost and soil extract, which contained the abiotic soluble factors of compost and soil at 50 °C. These comparative studies support a direct role for microorganisms in PLA degradation at elevated temperatures in humid environments. No change in tensile strength or Mw was observed either 25° or 37 °C after 1 year suggesting that accumulation of PLA in the environment may cause future pollution issues.