Report: the decomposition of putatively degradable nappy pads in three systems

Abstract

The degradation of putatively degradable Weenee® nappy pads was monitored relative to commercially-available plastic nappies in soil, earthworm compost and in a septic tank used by a villa complex. Extrapolated data gave times for elimina tion of the degradable pads (under temperate summer condi tions) of 134 days in soil, 71 to 80 days in earthworm compost and 110 days in the septic tank. The polyacrylate absorbant material in the degradable pads was not toxic to earthworms or to soil microbiota.