Julian Paolo Biyo Jason Andrei Temelo I-Ruby Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus 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, 19% sachets and junk food wrappers, 5% Styrofoam, 1% hard plastics, 10% rubber, 13% biodegradable wastes (Cayetano, 2008; www.senatorpiacayetano.com/psc/pressreleasedetails.php?recordID=1 75) Biodegradable plastics are degradable plastics on which the degradation results from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi , and algae (info@epi-global.com). These plastics are broken down into water, carbon dioxide, methane and biomass primarily through enzymatic action on microorganisms (Azios, 2007 www.csmonitor.com/2007/1219/p16s01 -sten.html ). Biodegradable will fully disintegrate in six months or less. It turns into powder and blends with the soil after a few months (Demetillo, 2008 www.smprime.com/News.php?BlurbID=1113). 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. (Nolan-ITU Pty Ltd, 2002 www.environment.gov.au/settlement/publications/waste/deg)

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. (Azios, 2007 www.csmonitor.com/2007/1219/p16s01 -sten.html) The SM mall chain has started shifting biodegradable plasticbags for its supermarkets and department stores (Cayetano, 2008).The use of biodegradable plastics help lessen the burden of the ever-growing garbage problem in the Philippines and in the whole world 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 Study A.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.