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Biodegradable plastics
Schifferová, Zuzana ; Jan, Vít (referee) ; Molliková, Eva (advisor)
The aim of this bachelor theses is to discuss the process of biodegradation occurring with biodegradable polymers including factors affecting this process. The theses also introduces some types of biodegradable plastics including their properties. At last it discusses waste management of these plastics and their ecological impact.
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Influence of biodegradable polymers microplastics on properties of soil organic matter
Denková, Pavla ; Řezáčová, Veronika (referee) ; Kučerík, Jiří (advisor)
The microplastics contamination is an issue observed in all environmental compartments. Currently, the trend is to replace the synthetic polymers by biodegradable ones, which are expected to degrade faster due to omnipresent microorganisms. However, this assumption may not correspond with the reality. In nature, biodegradation can last long or not whatsoever and the microparticles of biodegradable polymers can remain in soil the same way as particles of synthetic polymers. The effect of microparticles of biodegradable polymers on soil´s biota has already been studied, but the effect on the properties of soil and water in the soil has not been elucidated yet. This thesis deals with the influence of microparticles of biodegradable plastics on the physico-chemical properties of soil organic matter, especially on the behavior of water in the soil system under arid and semiarid conditions. Microparticles of poly(R-3-hydroxybutyrate), abbreviated as P3HB, were used as a model biodegradable polymer and were introduced into the soil in various concentrations. To determine the evaporation enthalpy of water and stability of water bridges that affect (stabilize) the physical and chemical structure of soil organic matter Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used. Simultaneously was also measured their effect on water holding capacity of soil organic matter. Under experimental conditions, P3HB microplastics were found to reduce evaporation enthalpy, which facilitates drying of soil organic matter. Nevertheless, their effect on final water holding capacity was relatively low. Besides, we observed a negative effect on the stability of water molecule bridge that connect segments of soil´s organic components. Thus, P3HB microparticles in soil could pose a risk due to their influence on the water retention mechanism in soil under arid and semiarid conditions.
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Biodegradable seed carriers for large area regeneration of forests
Balej, Marek ; Kučera, František (referee) ; Jančář, Josef (advisor)
This diploma thesis is focused on finding a suitable biodegradable polymer for the construction of mechanically activated forest seed carriers. The subject of the theoretical part of the work is a description of the investigated polymeric materials and characterization of the species composition of trees in domestic forests. Furthermore, the issue of technology to produce these seed carriers for the preparation of prototypes using 3D printing and for high-volume production through plastic injection moulding is elaborated. Finally, in this section, attention is paid to the difference between biodegradable and compostable plastics. The experimental part of the thesis deals with the application of the method of determining the complete aerobic biodegradability of the investigated materials in the soil, measuring the amount of carbon dioxide released and additional DSC, GPC and TGA analysis. It further investigates the saturation of the samples with carbon dioxide, their subsequent temperature-induced batch foaming and SEM analysis of the resulting structure. Finally, it focuses on the preparation of 3D printed prototypes of seed carriers and test specimens, on which the tests of their impact strength and tensile properties are performed. For more detailed analysis, two commercially available bioplastics, NonOilen® and ecoflex® were selected. The test of complete aerobic biodegradability of plastics in soil according to ISO 17556 proved that the biodegradation of NonOilen® and ecoflex® in the soil took place. This was subsequently substantiated by the results of the associated DSC, GPC and TGA analysis. Furthermore, in pressed samples from both materials, it was found by SEM observation that the method of CO2 saturation and subsequent batch, temperature-induced foaming is ineffective in obtaining a porous structure in the given materials. Finally, the impact strength and tensile properties of 3D printed prototypes for the investigated materials (NonOilen® and ecoflex®) were determined using 3D printed test specimens.
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Influence of biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates on soil properties and composition
Denková, Pavla ; Doležalová Weissmannová, Helena (referee) ; Kučerík, Jiří (advisor)
Biodegradable plastics are presented as a promising replacement for synthetic polymers. In soil, they are expected to be fully degraded by micro-organisms within a short time and to be inherently harmless to the environment. However, this assumption needs to be verified, and it is important to pay attention to the impact on soil´s biota as well as the effect of the biodegradation process could have on soil properties, composition and structure. In this work was studied the effect of biodegradation of poly(R-3-hydroxybutyrate), (P3HB), belonging to the group of polyhydroxyalkanoates, on the structure and physicochemical properties of soil. P3HB particles were mixed in different concentrations with soil in which biodegradation experiments were carried out under different conditions - i.e. with and without growing plant, with and without nitrogen fertilization. After 90 days, were soil analyzed. Thermogravimetry was used to determine the amount of residual non-degraded micro-bioplastics and to determine the effect of biodegradation on the properties of soil organic matter. Differential scanning calorimetry provided information on the effect of biodegradation on the evaporation enthalpy of adsorbed water from the soil, while the amount of water in the soil was also determined. Furthermore, the effect on field water holding capacity was determined and sieve analysis of individual samples was performed to characterize the effect of biodegradation on soil particle size distribution. Biodegradation conditions were shown to affect not only the rate of biodegradation but also some soil parameters. As expected, biodegradation of P3HB was proved to be faster in a nutrient-rich environment. In contrast, lack of nitrogen in soil with growing plant caused a decrease in the evaporation enthalpy of water and a reduction in the amount of water in soil, which can lead to easier soil drying and cause stress conditions for plant growth. Increased soil particle aggregation was observed in all sample series with P3HB compared to soils without P3HB addition.
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Influence of microbioplastics on aquatic plants
Mácová, Sabina ; Maršálková, Eliška (referee) ; Kučerík, Jiří (advisor)
Plastic pollution is becoming a serious environmental problem, for this reason, in recent years efforts have been made to propose alternatives to conventional plastics. Biodegradable plastics appeared to be a possible alternative due to similar properties to synthetic plastics and because they are considered safe and degradable in the environment. However, under real conditions, biodegradation is a relatively time-consuming process that can lead only to biofragmentation into small particles, co-called microbioplastics. So far, very little is known about their impact on the environment. This work deals with the ecotoxicological influence of biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) microparticles in two size fractions (particles
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Influence of bioplastic biodegradation on soil properties
Stanislavová, Veronika ; Zlámalová Gargošová, Helena (referee) ; Kučerík, Jiří (advisor)
Biodegradabilné polyméry sa na trhu stávajú čoraz populárnejšími, a to najmä v poľnohospodárstve, kde sa vďaka svojim priaznivým vlastnostiam používajú ako nátery a mulčovacie fólie. V tejto štúdii bol skúmaný vplyv poly-3-hydroxybutyrátu (P3HB), vnútrobunkového bakteriálneho polyméru, na rôzne vlastnosti pôdy vrátane fyzikálnych, chemických a biologických parametrov s cieľom posúdiť jeho potenciálne využitie v poľnohospodárstve. Výsledky ukázali, že P3HB mal negatívny vplyv na obsah sušiny v pôde, nadzemnú biomasu a spôsobil mierne zníženie pH pôdy. Okrem toho sa aktivita vybraných enzýmov výrazne zvýšila, keď sa P3HB aplikoval samostatne alebo došlo k ešte väčšiemu nárastu v kombinácií s niektorými pôdnymi doplnkami. Výsledky sa líšili v závislosti od použitého pôdneho doplnku. Účinky boli buď negatívne, neutrálne alebo pozitívne. Na posúdenie miery biodegradácie P3HB, vplyvu P3HB na organickú hmotu a zadržiavanie vody sa použila termogravimetrická analýza. Bolo preukázané, že prítomnosť organických doplnkov ovplyvnila rýchlosť degradácie P3HB a iných organických látok v pôde. Okrem toho aplikácia P3HB do pôdy viedla k inhibícii rastu rastlín (Zea mays L.). Pridanie zmien do pôdy pred aplikáciou P3HB tento účinok zlepšilo len okrajovo. Dospelo sa k záveru, že biodegradácia P3HB podporovala mikrobiálnu aktivitu, čo mohlo v konečnom dôsledku negatívne ovplyvniť dostupnosť esenciálnych živín v pôde. Okrem toho výsledky z termogravimetrickej analýzy naznačujú, že kombinácia P3HB a biouhlia by mohla prispieť k lepšiemu zadržiavania vody v pôde.
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Assessment of PHB effects at organismal and sub-organismal levels through E. fetida.
Demová, Kristína ; Řezáčová, Veronika (referee) ; Zlámalová Gargošová, Helena (advisor)
The use of biodegradable plastics, which are competitive with synthetic plastics and have the ability to be completely degraded by micro-organisms, is gaining ground. In real life conditions, biodegradation does not always proceed as expected, and these plastic particles may persist in the environment for long periods of time. Therefore, the verification of the safety of these plastics is the subject of many studies. This was also the aim of the present thesis, which deals with the impact of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate microparticles (representative of biodegradable plastics) on the organism Eisenia fetida (representative of soil organisms). Its effects were assessed using classical ecotoxicological tests. Methods to observe effects at the sub-organism level - using selected biomarkers - were also introduced and implemented. From the obtained results, no significant effect of the investigated biodegradable plastic on the test organism E. fetida was demonstrated, but the introduced methods can be used in the future to obtain more results to assess the effect at the sub-organismal level of the organism in a relevant way.
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Biodegradable seed carriers for large area regeneration of forests
Balej, Marek ; Kučera, František (referee) ; Jančář, Josef (advisor)
This diploma thesis is focused on finding a suitable biodegradable polymer for the construction of mechanically activated forest seed carriers. The subject of the theoretical part of the work is a description of the investigated polymeric materials and characterization of the species composition of trees in domestic forests. Furthermore, the issue of technology to produce these seed carriers for the preparation of prototypes using 3D printing and for high-volume production through plastic injection moulding is elaborated. Finally, in this section, attention is paid to the difference between biodegradable and compostable plastics. The experimental part of the thesis deals with the application of the method of determining the complete aerobic biodegradability of the investigated materials in the soil, measuring the amount of carbon dioxide released and additional DSC, GPC and TGA analysis. It further investigates the saturation of the samples with carbon dioxide, their subsequent temperature-induced batch foaming and SEM analysis of the resulting structure. Finally, it focuses on the preparation of 3D printed prototypes of seed carriers and test specimens, on which the tests of their impact strength and tensile properties are performed. For more detailed analysis, two commercially available bioplastics, NonOilen® and ecoflex® were selected. The test of complete aerobic biodegradability of plastics in soil according to ISO 17556 proved that the biodegradation of NonOilen® and ecoflex® in the soil took place. This was subsequently substantiated by the results of the associated DSC, GPC and TGA analysis. Furthermore, in pressed samples from both materials, it was found by SEM observation that the method of CO2 saturation and subsequent batch, temperature-induced foaming is ineffective in obtaining a porous structure in the given materials. Finally, the impact strength and tensile properties of 3D printed prototypes for the investigated materials (NonOilen® and ecoflex®) were determined using 3D printed test specimens.
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Influence of biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates on soil properties and composition
Denková, Pavla ; Doležalová Weissmannová, Helena (referee) ; Kučerík, Jiří (advisor)
Biodegradable plastics are presented as a promising replacement for synthetic polymers. In soil, they are expected to be fully degraded by micro-organisms within a short time and to be inherently harmless to the environment. However, this assumption needs to be verified, and it is important to pay attention to the impact on soil´s biota as well as the effect of the biodegradation process could have on soil properties, composition and structure. In this work was studied the effect of biodegradation of poly(R-3-hydroxybutyrate), (P3HB), belonging to the group of polyhydroxyalkanoates, on the structure and physicochemical properties of soil. P3HB particles were mixed in different concentrations with soil in which biodegradation experiments were carried out under different conditions - i.e. with and without growing plant, with and without nitrogen fertilization. After 90 days, were soil analyzed. Thermogravimetry was used to determine the amount of residual non-degraded micro-bioplastics and to determine the effect of biodegradation on the properties of soil organic matter. Differential scanning calorimetry provided information on the effect of biodegradation on the evaporation enthalpy of adsorbed water from the soil, while the amount of water in the soil was also determined. Furthermore, the effect on field water holding capacity was determined and sieve analysis of individual samples was performed to characterize the effect of biodegradation on soil particle size distribution. Biodegradation conditions were shown to affect not only the rate of biodegradation but also some soil parameters. As expected, biodegradation of P3HB was proved to be faster in a nutrient-rich environment. In contrast, lack of nitrogen in soil with growing plant caused a decrease in the evaporation enthalpy of water and a reduction in the amount of water in soil, which can lead to easier soil drying and cause stress conditions for plant growth. Increased soil particle aggregation was observed in all sample series with P3HB compared to soils without P3HB addition.
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Influence of biodegradable polymers microplastics on properties of soil organic matter
Denková, Pavla ; Řezáčová, Veronika (referee) ; Kučerík, Jiří (advisor)
The microplastics contamination is an issue observed in all environmental compartments. Currently, the trend is to replace the synthetic polymers by biodegradable ones, which are expected to degrade faster due to omnipresent microorganisms. However, this assumption may not correspond with the reality. In nature, biodegradation can last long or not whatsoever and the microparticles of biodegradable polymers can remain in soil the same way as particles of synthetic polymers. The effect of microparticles of biodegradable polymers on soil´s biota has already been studied, but the effect on the properties of soil and water in the soil has not been elucidated yet. This thesis deals with the influence of microparticles of biodegradable plastics on the physico-chemical properties of soil organic matter, especially on the behavior of water in the soil system under arid and semiarid conditions. Microparticles of poly(R-3-hydroxybutyrate), abbreviated as P3HB, were used as a model biodegradable polymer and were introduced into the soil in various concentrations. To determine the evaporation enthalpy of water and stability of water bridges that affect (stabilize) the physical and chemical structure of soil organic matter Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used. Simultaneously was also measured their effect on water holding capacity of soil organic matter. Under experimental conditions, P3HB microplastics were found to reduce evaporation enthalpy, which facilitates drying of soil organic matter. Nevertheless, their effect on final water holding capacity was relatively low. Besides, we observed a negative effect on the stability of water molecule bridge that connect segments of soil´s organic components. Thus, P3HB microparticles in soil could pose a risk due to their influence on the water retention mechanism in soil under arid and semiarid conditions.
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