ASTM D5988-96 - 10.7.1996
 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers determination of the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradation of synthetic plastic materials (including formulation additives that may be biodegradable) in contact with soil, or a mixture of soil and mature compost, under laboratory conditions.

1.2 This test method is designed to rate the biodegradability of plastic materials relative to a standard in an aerobic environment.

1.3 This test method is designed to be applicable to all plastic materials that are not inhibitory to the bacteria and fungi present in soil and compost.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. A specific hazard statement is given in Section 8.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D5338-15(2021)

Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions, Incorporating Thermophilic Temperatures

D5511-26

Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions

2540

G Total, Fixed, and Volatile Solids in Solids and Semi-Solid Samples

D2989-01(2022)

Standard Test Method for Acidity-Alkalinity of Halogenated Organic Solvents and Their Admixtures

ISO 17556

Plastics--Determination of the Ultimate Aerobic Biodegradability of Plastic Materials in Soil by Measuring the Oxygen Demand in a Respirometer or the Amount of Carbon Dioxide Evolved

D425-17

Standard Test Method for Centrifuge Moisture Equivalent of Soils (Withdrawn 2024)

D618-21

Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

D883-26a

Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics (Includes all amendments and changes 6/15/2026).

D1193-24

Standard Specification for Reagent Water

D1293-18

Standard Test Methods for pH of Water

D2980-17

Standard Test Method for Saturated Density, Moisture-Holding Capacity, and Porosity of Saturated Peat Materials

D4129-05(2020)

Standard Test Method for Total and Organic Carbon in Water by High Temperature Oxidation and by Coulometric Detection

D4972-19(2024)e1

Standard Test Methods for pH of Soils (Includes all amendments and changes 8/1/2024).