Reliable methodology to determine biotransformation of PBAT in anaerobic conditions
Biodegradable plastics can enhance food waste utilization in anaerobic digestion (AD) units, but their fate under thermophilic conditions remains unclear. Previous studies using methane production, calorimetry, or spectroscopic analyses often report inconsistent results. This study tracks the biotransformation of polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT) in thermophilic AD (55 °C) using <sup>1</sup>H NMR to quantify monomers. While 1,4-butanediol degraded quickly, adipic (AA) and terephthalic acid (TPA) accumulated over time. Monomer analysis estimated PBAT biotransformation at 11.1 ± 1.9 % (TPA) and 10.1 ± 2.3 % (AA). The core microbial community remained stable, indicating intrinsic hydrolytic capacities, which were stable despite TPA and AA accumulation. This workflow provides a robust methodology to evaluate the biotransformation of plastics.
Authors
- Juan Cubero‐Cardoso (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4455-5417)
- Jeppe Lund Nielsen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8747-6938)
- Alba Trueba-Santiso (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9730-7321)
- Juan M. Lema (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5616-2584)
- Reinhard Wimmer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6942-5056)
- Mathias Helmer Eskildsen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1503-3399)
Institutions
- Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (ES)
- Aalborg University (DK)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Bioresource Technology
- Published
- 2025-02-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132242
- Citations
- 6
- Primary Topic
- Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.02
Funders
- HORIZON EUROPE Reforming and enhancing the European Research and Innovation system