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Natural Degradation and Biodegradation of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) in Liquid and Solid Marine Environments

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Abstract

In this study, natural degradation and biodegradation of poly(3-hydroxybuyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) films were followed in different marine environments. First of all, ageing of PHBV films was investigated in natural seawater for 180 days and degradation was followed by means of weight loss measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry and steric exclusion chromatography. In a second part, biodegradation tests were performed on PHBV powder, by following carbon dioxide (CO2) release, to highlight the PHBV bioassimilation of marine microorganisms. Three different marine environments were considered for biodegradation tests: a solid inoculum with foreshore sand, a solid–liquid inoculum with sand and seawater and a liquid inoculum with seawater. In the latter, a biofilm was added to study the influence of microorganisms on biodegradation kinetics. The films aged under natural conditions show a large loss of weight after 180 days in immersion, around 36 %, confirmed by SEM pictures which show an increase of the surface erosion and a decrease of the sample thickness. Microorganisms’ attack occurred as suggested by CO2 release during biodegradation tests, whatever the environment studied.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the SERPBIO association for financial support and the Aquastream company for the donation of the biofilm collected on the breeding fish tank. The authors are also pleased to express their grateful acknowledgements to Anthony Magueresse, Dr. Patrick Loulergue and Dr. Jean-Luc Audic for their help in the experimental work, Yves-Marie Corre and Pierre-Yves Le Gac (IFREMER) for helpful comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Université de Bretagne-Sud, EA 4250, LIMATB, 56100, Lorient, France

    Morgan Deroiné, Antoine Le Duigou & Stéphane Bruzaud

  2. SERPBIO, Université de Bretagne-Sud, Rue de Saint Maudé, 56321, Lorient, France

    Morgan Deroiné & Guy César

  3. IFREMER, Marine Structures Group, Centre de Bretagne, BP 70, 29280, Plouzané, France

    Morgan Deroiné & Peter Davies

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  1. Morgan Deroiné
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Correspondence to Stéphane Bruzaud.

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Deroiné, M., César, G., Le Duigou, A. et al. Natural Degradation and Biodegradation of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) in Liquid and Solid Marine Environments. J Polym Environ 23, 493–505 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-015-0736-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-015-0736-5

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