A case study on biodegradability of nonwoven bags distributed in the nasik city as an alternative to plastic bags

After ban on plastic in Maharashtra state of India, different types of nonwoven bags were distributed as an alternative to plastic bags by shop owners. Under the ban, nonwoven polypropylene bags, which at first glance look like cotton bags, were not permitted. Permission was only for spun bond nonwoven bags made up of natural polymers like starch, baggase and ester bio-copolymer. Present study was on biodegradability of these nonwoven bags, widely distributed by shop owners in the city of Nasik. Samples of nonwoven bags were collected. Soil samples of landfills where these types of nonwoven bags were dumped were collected. Primary screening for identification of microorganisms was carried out. Consortiums of them were applied to check biodegradability of all nonwoven bags. In-situ method was also applied for three months. FTIR was the test used to find out functional groups of polymers present in the samples of nonwoven bags.
It was observed that the weight of some of the samples of nonwoven bags was slightly reduced after 3 months. Furthermore, no degradation was observed in the majority of samples. In situ method also found ineffective. For comparison, the nonwoven bags made up of natural polymer were also subjected for biodegradability. Within a month they completely degrade the natural polymer containing nonwoven bags. Similarly, soil burial method showed complete degradation.