ISO 15985-2014 PDF

Full title and description

Plastics — Determination of the ultimate anaerobic biodegradation under high-solids anaerobic-digestion conditions — Method by analysis of released biogas. This International Standard specifies a laboratory method to evaluate the ultimate anaerobic biodegradability of plastics (organic-based) under high-solids, static anaerobic-digestion conditions by measuring evolved biogas (carbon dioxide and methane).

Abstract

ISO 15985:2014 provides a test procedure that simulates typical high-solids anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of mixed municipal solid waste. Test specimens are exposed to a methanogenic inoculum from anaerobic digesters treating pretreated household waste; the test runs under high total-solids (>20 %) and static, non-mixed conditions and yields the percentage and rate of conversion of sample carbon to biogas (CO2 and CH4). The method is intended to report ultimate anaerobic biodegradability by analysis of released biogas.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed current on review).
• Publication date: 7 May 2014.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 83.080.01 (Plastics in general).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2014).
• Number of pages: 10.

Technical committee: ISO/TC 61 (Plastics) — SC 14 (Environmental aspects). The 2014 edition replaced the 2004 edition after review and remains the current edition following a 2024 confirmation.

Scope

This standard specifies a laboratory method to evaluate the ultimate anaerobic biodegradability of plastics based on organic compounds under high-solids anaerobic-digestion conditions by measurement of evolved biogas at the end of the test. It is designed to simulate conditions found in high-solids anaerobic digesters treating the organic fraction of municipal solid waste; the inoculum is methanogenic and derived from digesters operating on pretreated household waste. Conditions are high total solids (more than 20 %) and static non-mixed operation; results express carbon conversion to CO2 and CH4 and the rate of conversion.

Key topics and requirements

• Determination of ultimate anaerobic biodegradability of plastic materials by biogas analysis (CO2 and CH4).
• High-solids test conditions (static, non-mixed; >20 % total solids specified).
• Use of methanogenic inoculum derived from anaerobic digesters treating pretreated household waste.
• Calculation/reporting of percentage of carbon conversion and biodegradation rate based on evolved biogas.
• Test designed to simulate municipal solid-waste digestion; not necessarily the optimum conditions for maximum biodegradation.
• Requirements for controls, blanks and reference material to allow net gaseous carbon determination.

Typical use and users

Laboratories performing biodegradability testing, plastics and polymer manufacturers evaluating end-of-life performance, waste-management and anaerobic-digestion facilities assessing feedstock behavior, certification and conformity-assessment bodies, and academic or industrial researchers studying anaerobic degradation of polymeric materials.

Related standards

ISO 15985:2014 replaces ISO 15985:2004 (withdrawn). Comparable and complementary test methods include ASTM D5511 (standard test method for determining anaerobic biodegradation of plastics under high-solids anaerobic-digestion conditions), and related ISO methods for aerobic biodegradability such as the ISO 14855 series (controlled composting / aerobic conditions). ASTM D5511 is commonly referenced as an equivalent high-solids anaerobic test protocol in some jurisdictions.

Keywords

anaerobic biodegradation; plastics; high-solids; anaerobic digestion; biogas; methane; carbon conversion; methanogenic inoculum; municipal solid waste; biodegradability testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 15985:2014 is an ISO test method for determining the ultimate anaerobic biodegradability of plastics under high-solids anaerobic-digestion conditions by analysis of released biogas (CO2 and CH4).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers laboratory procedures, test conditions, inoculum sourcing, controls and calculation methods to report the percentage and rate of carbon conversion to biogas for plastics exposed to high-solids anaerobic digestion conditions.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Testing laboratories, plastics manufacturers, certification bodies, waste-management operators and researchers working on biodegradability and anaerobic-digestion interactions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2014 edition (Edition 2) is the current published version; the 2004 edition was withdrawn and replaced. The 2014 edition was reviewed and confirmed as current during a subsequent review cycle.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone ISO method focused on anaerobic (high-solids) testing; related ISO standards address aerobic biodegradability (for example ISO 14855 series) and there are complementary methods from other bodies (for example ASTM D5511) that cover similar anaerobic test conditions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: anaerobic biodegradation, biogas analysis, high-solids, plastics testing, methane, carbon conversion, methanogenic inoculum, municipal solid waste.