Effect of Different Ratios of Biomaterials to Banana Peels on the Weight Loss of Biodegradable Pots

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to determine the weight loss of pots made of different ratios of biomaterials and banana peels. Two types of biodegradable pots were produced using different ratios of biomaterials (B) and banana peels (BP). The ratios of B to BP tested in this study were B50%: BP50% and B30%: BP 70%. The weight loss of biodegradable pot with ratio B30%: BP70% was significantly higher than biodegradable pot with ratio B50%: BP50% after the empty biodegradable pots were left to decompose on the ground for 60 days. This result suggests that higher content of banana peels increase the microbial decomposition of the biodegradable pot. On the contrary, the weight loss of biodegradable pot with ratio B50%:BP50% was higher when they were filled with soil and left to decompose on the ground for 60 days. This is probably due to the lower content of banana peels, what decreased the tensile strength of biodegradable pot filled with soil, making it highly decomposable in such manner. In terms of degradability, biodegradable pot with ratio B30%: BP70% is more appropriate than pot with ratio B50%: BP50%.