Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Biodegradation of Materials in Soils and Soil Constructions: Experiments, Modeling and Prevention

Version 1 : Received: 22 June 2018 / Approved: 22 June 2018 / Online: 22 June 2018 (14:20:10 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Smagin, A.V.; Sadovnikova, N.B.; Vasenev, V.I.; Smagina, M.V. Biodegradation of Some Organic Materials in Soils and Soil Constructions: Experiments, Modeling and Prevention. Materials 2018, 11, 1889. Smagin, A.V.; Sadovnikova, N.B.; Vasenev, V.I.; Smagina, M.V. Biodegradation of Some Organic Materials in Soils and Soil Constructions: Experiments, Modeling and Prevention. Materials 2018, 11, 1889.

Abstract

Decomposition of natural and synthetic polymeric materials (peat, humates, biochar, strongly swelling hydrogels and other soil conditioners) in a biologically- and chemically- active soil environment inevitably leads to their degradation and ability to improve the structure, water-retention, absorptive capacity and actual fertility of artificial soil constructions in urbanized ecosystems and agro landscapes (constructozems). Quantitative assessment of the biodegradation process using field and laboratory incubation experiments, as well as mathematical modeling, showed the possibility of significant (up to 30-50% per year) losses of organic matter of constructozems and a corresponding deterioration in their quality. Incubation experiments with the analysis of carbon dioxide emission for polymeric materials under given thermodynamic conditions allow to estimate the potential rates of their decomposition (half-life) and their dependence on the dose of inhibitors of microbial activity. Special nomographs provide an opportunity to determine the optimum depth of the arrangement of organic components in soil constructions to ensure their stable functioning during a fixed operating time in urban conditions. The results of the study are useful for geo-engineers and landscaping practitioners.

Keywords

biodestruction, soil constructions, sustainability, polymers, synthetic hydrogels, peat, CO2 emission, water-retention, modeling.

Subject

Chemistry and Materials Science, Polymers and Plastics

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