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Abstract: The study of biodegradation of facial masks made of natural and synthetic materials was performed. The experimental part was performed with a respirometer from the Slovenian manufacturer ECHO Instruments. We conducted a preliminary test to select the compost with the highest activity for further work. The rate of biodegradation of the materials was calculated based on measurements of the carbon dioxide produced in the reactors. The biodegradability results of the materials were verified using FTIR spectroscopy and microscope images. Masks made of linen and cotton particles performed the best biodegradation at 72%, while particles of masks made of polypropylene (PP) did not degrade. Since there are no studies on biodegradability in water, the second part of our study was to investigate the rate of degradation of the masks in wastewater. Based on the FTIR spectra obtained, the presence of new functional groups on the surface of the protective masks was confirmed as a result of the oxidation process. Humovit compost was chosen as the inoculum for the water medium. We determined the highest degree of biodegradation for the linen/cotton mask (67% in 75 days).
Keywords: protective masks, linen/cotton, himalayan hemp, respirometry, FTIR
Published in DKUM: 16.01.2026; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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