Anaerobic digestion
Usage of biodegradable materials is increasing in society. Laws that forbid land-filling of combustible and organic waste increase the market for all types of biodegradable materials.
SP offers services in which we investigate how different materials are degraded in different environments, for example in water or in compost soil. We investigate how fast and to what extent a material is degraded by microorganisms.
Digestion test
Digestion is an anaerobic process (without oxygen) in which microorganisms turn organic material into biogas (methane), water and sludge. The ultimate degree of biodegradation in an anaerobic environment is tested according to an aquatic method, ISO 14853, in which production of mainly methane gas is followed volumetrically.
Biomass and carbon balance
The digestion tests can be completed with determinations of biomass and carbon balance. A complete testing program for certification according to SPCR 141, appendix 3 (digestion) also consists of analysis of for example heavy metals, carbon/hydrogen/nitrogen content and identification of polymers and additives, a disintegration test and a test of the effect of the sludge on water- or landliving organisms in ecotoxicological tests.