Biodegradability test for synthetic esters

Abstract

Various synthetic esters were tested for their biodegradability, using a test sequence that began with the creation of biomass using sucrose and municipal wastewater; biodegradation was measured using biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand values. The test esters and resulting extractable matter were analysed by spectrophotomety. The esters were found to be biodegradable, to different degrees, subject to the presence of large amounts of water and the correct saline nutritive substratum.