Investigatory Project

TITLE: Effect of the Different Types of Substrates on the

Biodegradability of SM Plastic Bags

I. Background of the Study

Official figures show that plastics make up around 25% of the
garbage that metro manila churns out, while an independent survey
conducted by Ecowaste Coalition and Greenpeace on the composition
,of discards on manila bay in 2006 found that 51% were plastic bags
,sachets and junk food wrappers, 5% Styrofoam, 1% hard plastics 19%
.rubber, 13% biodegradable wastes 10%

Biodegradable plastics are degradable plastics on which the

degradation results from the action of naturally occurring micro-
organisms such as bacteria, fungi , and algae.These plastics are broken down into
water, carbon dioxide, methane and biomass primarily through enzymatic action on
microorganisms.

Biodegradable will fully disintegrate in six months or less. It turns into

powder and blends with the soil after a few months.
Many biodegradable plastics will decompose in industrial plants,
backyard compost piles, or open environments. The inherent
biodegradability of plastics depend on several environmental factors
such as moisture, temperature, surface area, and the manufacturing
method of the finished product. Although some brands claim to be biodegradable in
open air and
saltwater, virtually no decomposition occurs within a closed landfill
that has been capped, preventing air circulation.
II. Problem of the Study
This study was conducted to answer the following problem:
Will exposing the SM plastic bags to different substrates such ascompost soil,
loam soil, tap water, and seawater over a period of timeaffect its biodegradability?
III. Hypothesis of the Study
If SM plastic bags will be placed in different substrates over a
period of time, then its biodegradability will be affected
IV. Objectives of the StudyA.General Objective:
•
To determine the effect of different substrates on the biodegradability
of SM plastic bags.
B.Specific Objectives:
1.To expose SM plastic bags to different substrates such as compost soil,
loam soil, seawater and tap water for a duration of several months.
2.To measure the weight of the plastic bags (grams) before and after
different exposure periods to the substrates.
3.To compare the percent weight loss of the SM plastic bags exposed to
different substrates after a period of time.
Design of the Study
A. Variables
A1. Independent variables/ manipulated variable: substrate
1.Compost soil
2.Loam soil
3. Seawater
4. Tap water
A2. Dependent variable/ responding variable: biodegradability (percent
weight loss)
B. Materials
•
6, 1-litre glass jars
•
6, 7”x9” aluminium trays
•
12 pcs. 3”x4” SM plastic bags
•
500g loam soil
•
500g compost soil
•
500mL seawater
•
500mL tap water
•
Analytical balance
•
Graduated cylinder
•
Weighing scale
C. Procedures