Study of PBAT mulch films: photodegradation, biodegradation and its cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects in Allium cepa and human hepatoma HepG2 cells

Abstract

The use of plastic films for soil covering (mulching) is widely disseminated in agriculture. However, the use of these films is associated with the negative environmental impact of waste generation, demanding costs for its destination. During its application on the field, these materials are exposed to solar radiation and the process of photodegradation may occur, compromising important properties as tensile strength and block light transmission. In addition, photodegradation can lead to crosslinking of the polymer chains, which may have a negative influence on the biodegradation process. In this context this research project proposes to evaluate additives carbon black and light stabilizers (Tinuvin 783 and Vitamin E) on photodegradation process of the biodegradable polymer poly (adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) -PBAT. The optimized formulations obtained by experimental design will be characterized by biodegradation, citotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity analysis. Taking into account the eventual exposition of vetetable organisms and humans to mulch degradation products, the toxic effects will be analysed in Allium cepa and human hepatoma HepG2 cells.