Study of biodegradation of Poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT) by maritime microorganisms from the Atlhantic Coast of Recife-PE (Brazil)

Biodegradable polymers undergo a degradation process resulting from the action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae. Poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is considered biodegradable synthetic polymer, even if its has been confirmed under industrial composting conditions, investigation in marine environment still limited. Therefore, this work aims to study biodegradation environment, polymer (PBAT), for that, it was submerged static system, using seawater coastal region Pernambuco/Brazil fluid. The samples were studied by chemical, thermal microbiological analyses, after 7, 14, 30, 90, 120 180 days immersion. Microbiological analyzes indicated that aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (AHB), anaerobic (AnHB) iron precipitating (IPB) quantified system at all times high concentrations, with exception Sulfate reducing (SRB), Pseudomonas showed lower concentrations compared other bacterial groups. Biodegradation observed percentage mass loss approximately 2.25%. In DSC, expansion melting peaks exposure noted, while TGA did not show changes curve trends. FTIR no new band appeared, nor displacement, since vibrations covalent bonds groups are present regardless biodegradation. Indicating significant PBAT observed.