Biodegradation and ecotoxicological impact of cellulose nanocomposites under Controlled Composting Conditions

The biodegradability of cellulose nananofiber-PVA nanocomposites were studied under controlled composting conditions and the quality of the compost was evaluated. The nanocomposite based on PVA with 5, 10, 20 and 30 wt % of CNF was prepared by using liquid nitrogen and freeze drying techniques. Specimens were buried in compost obtained from municipal solid waste of a compost Factory, Karaj municipality, Iran, for 150 days. The biodegradability of materials was assessed by calculation the visual observation, weight loss, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemistry and transparency (FTIR). The ecotoxicological impact of compost samples was evaluated via plant growth tests with cress and spinach. Biodegradation studies of the films during municipal solid waste confirmed that the biodegradation time of PVA/CNF films greatly depends on the CNF content. The SEM analysis showed that the biodegradability of the films at surface of the samples (deep pores and cracks) was increased with increased the CNF content. By considering the ecotoxicological test using plants growth, it seems that all nanocomposite and pure PVA did not generate a negative effect on germination or development of the vegetal species.