Biodegradace PET mikroplastů v testovacím médiu

Abstract

The master's thesis addresses a current environmental issue, namely the contamination of the environment by microplastics, particularly particles originating from polyethylene terephthalate and polyester fibres. The theoretical part summarizes current knowledge on the origin, occurrence, and impacts of microplastics on ecosystems and human health, outlines the legislative framework of the European Union in this area, and presents research into the use of biodegradation as a possible approach to addressing this issue. The practical part focuses on the experimental verification of the biodegradation capacity of the bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis, which is known for its ability to degrade polyethylene terephthalate. The experiment investigates the biodegradation of two materials in a model liquid medium: beverage polyethylene terephthalate and polyester textile fibres. The thesis also includes a supplementary comparison of the biodegradation of two material forms, microplastics and intact samples without pretreatment. The weight loss of the degraded material is monitored over a period of five weeks. An analysis and monitoring of chemical changes in the polymer films are also carried out. Gravimetric analysis, microscopic analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy are used.