ASTM D6691: Plastic Marine Biodegradation Consortium Testing Services
ASTM D6691 determines the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials when exposed to either a pre-grown population of at least 10 aerobic marine microorganisms of recognized genera or the native population found in natural seawater. The values are considered as a standard when expressed in SI units.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
What Is ASTM D6691 Plastic Marine Biodegradation Consortium?
ASTM D6691 describes a procedure for determining the extent and rate of aerobic biodegradation of plastics in a marine environment. The test procedure may employ a pure culture of known aerobic marine microorganisms or the natural microbial flora present in seawater.
The biodegradation process is followed by tracking the production of biogas, specifically carbon dioxide, as the polymer degrades. The data obtained indicate the amount of carbon from the polymer that is converted to biogas. All the data is presented in SI units. This is a common standard for assessing the environmental effects and biodegradability of plastic materials in marine environments.
Applications and Benefits of ASTM D6691 Plastic Marine Biodegradation Consortium Testing
Scope
ASTM D6691 evaluates:
- Degree of aerobic biodegradation
- Rate of biodegradation over time
- Carbon conversion efficiency
- Biogas (CO₂) evolution
- Polymer breakdown in marine environments
The method applies to polymer materials that:
- Contain at least 20% carbon
- They are not inhibitory to marine microorganisms
Applications
- Environmental impact assessment
- Marine biodegradability studies
- Plastic material development
- Sustainable packaging evaluation
- Regulatory compliance testing
- Research and development
- Quality control of biodegradable plastics
Benefits
- Provides standardized biodegradation data
- Quantifies biodegradation rate and extent
- Supports eco-friendly material development
- Helps assess marine environmental impact
- Enables comparison of different polymers
- Improves regulatory decision-making
Our ASTM D6691 Testing Procedure
Sample Selection & Preparation
A representative plastic sample is selected, its carbon content is determined, and the specimen is accurately weighed.
1Inoculum Preparation & Exposure Setup
The marine inoculum is prepared, and the samples are exposed in sealed test bottles.
2Incubation & Biogas Measurement
Samples are incubated at 30 ± 2°C, and CO₂ evolution is monitored.
3Data Collection & Analysis
Biogas production is recorded, and polymer carbon conversion is calculated.
4ASTM D6691 Test Parameters and Requirements
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Plastics with ≥20% carbon |
| Temperature | 30 ± 2°C |
| Measurement Method | Closed respirometry |
| Output Units | SI units |
| Measured Outputs | CO₂ generation, biodegradation rate |
- Respirometry system with CO₂ sensor
- 125 mL autoclave bottles with seal rings
- Gas collection and measurement system
- Controlled-temperature incubator or water bath
- Analytical balance (±0.1 mg precision)
- Data logging system
Equipment and Instrumentation Used for ASTM D6691 Testing
What You Receive: Test Report, Data, and Certification
- Biodegradation rate curves
- Total CO₂ evolution data
- Percentage carbon conversion
- Comparative polymer performance reports
- Biodegradability assessment summary
ASTM D6691 Plastic Marine Biodegradation Consortium FAQs
ASTM D6691 is an aqueous aerobic biodegradability test that determines the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials in seawater.
The content of CO2 in biogas measurement aids in assessing the intensity and biodegradation rate of plastics in the marine environment based on the extent of degradation, which is a determinant of the resultant biodegradable impact.
The apparatus comprises a biogas production monitoring system, sample bottles, a gas-volume measuring and collection system, a water bath or a controlled environment shaker/incubator, and an analytical balance for weighing the test materials.
ASTM D6691 reports the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradation of polymeric materials by biogas (CO2) evolution and represents the amount of carbon in polymer converted to carbon in biogas.
The results of ASTM D6691 can guide the design and formulation of more biodegradable plastic materials, assisting manufacturers in producing products with lower environmental impact, particularly in marine applications.
Why Choose Infinita Lab for Plastic Marine Biodegradation Consortium Testing
At the core of this breadth is our network of 2,000+ accredited laboratories across the USA, offering access to over 10,000 testing methods and analytical services. From advanced materials characterization (SEM, TEM, RBS, XPS) to mechanical, chemical, environmental, biological, and standardized ASTM/ISO-compliant testing, we deliver unmatched flexibility, specialization, and scale. You are never limited by geography, facility, or methodology — Infinita Lab connects you to the right expertise and testing solution, every time.
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