Partial Biodegradation Research Articles

Biodegradation of hemp woven geotextile in granular soil

Hemp production is increasing globally as sustainability gains importance. This study aims to develop environmentally friendly a new type of woven hemp geotextile and determine its biodegradability and service life for civil engineering applications. Soil burial tests which lasted one, four, and eight months were performed to deduce service life. Each time duration, three hemp geotextile samples, polypropylene (PP) based woven and nonwoven geotextiles were buried in the sand. The performance of hemp geotextile is compared with PP geotextiles after burial. Biodegradability was evaluated by weight loss, microscope photographs and tensile strength tests. Hemp geotextiles started to degrade after 8 months of burial time. The tensile strength of hemp geotextiles decreased as soil burial time increased. Hemp geotextiles become more brittle as their burial time increases. The biodegradability of samples is also determined from microscope photographs, which show partial biodegradation. PP geotextiles outperformed hemp geotextiles after soil burial.

Developing Disintegrable and Biodegradable Sensors Using Nanofiber-Reinforced Water-Borne Polyurethane

The development of wearable electronics with stretchable components that can conform seamlessly to human tissues and eventually disappear from the environment when disposed is of increasing interest. The challenge is to create materials that are pliable, tough, stretchable, biocompatible, and disintegrable. Biodegradable materials are promising for this purpose, but most of them are not stretchable or tough enough for use in transient wearable electronics. To address these challenges, we present a novel approach to create biodegradable nanofiber-reinforced water-borne polyurethane (NFR-WPU) with stretchability, toughness, and partial biodegradability. This is achieved by embedding biodegradable composite nanofibers (NFs) of poly(glycerol sebacate):poly(vinyl alcohol) (PGS:PVA) into the WPU matrix, which renders its properties tunable. We optimized the loading amount of NFs into the NFR-WPU and found that it significantly enhanced the toughness by 19 times while maintaining the Young's modulus as low as 3.3 MPa. Moreover, the NFR-WPU substrate has very high fracture toughness and shows excellent biocompatibility. It also has a disintegration rate nine times greater than that of pristine WPU. We fabricated and demonstrated disintegrable and stretchable triboelectric and capacitive touch sensors on the NFR-WPU, which have potential use in transient wearable electronics. In summary, our study offers a promising approach for developing transient wearable electronics with stretchable and biodegradable materials. Our NFR-WPU material has excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and disintegration rate, and our disintegrable and stretchable sensors show great potential for future applications.

Organisms as sensors in biohybrid entities as a novel tool for in-field aquatic monitoring

Rapidly intensifying global warming and water pollution calls for more efficient and continuous environmental monitoring methods. Biohybrid systems connect mechatronic components to living organisms and this approach can be used to extract data from the organisms. Compared to conventional monitoring methods, they allow for a broader data collection over long periods, minimizing the need for sampling processes and human labour. We aim to develop a methodology for creating various bioinspired entities, here referred to as ‘biohybrids’, designed for long-term aquatic monitoring. Here, we test several aspects of the development of the biohybrid entity: autonomous power source, lifeform integration and partial biodegradability. An autonomous power source was supplied by microbial fuel cells which exploit electron flows from microbial metabolic processes in the sediments. Here, we show that by stacking multiple cells, sufficient power can be supplied. We integrated lifeforms into the developed bioinspired entity which includes organisms such as the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and water flea Daphnia spp. The setups developed allowed for observing their stress behaviours. Through this, we can monitor changes in the environment in a continuous manner. The further development of this approach will allow for extensive, long-term aquatic data collection and create an early-warning monitoring system.

On biodegradability of 3D printed polyvinylidene fluoride composites

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is one of the established biocompatible thermoplastics for scaffolding applications. But due to its partial biodegradability, its use as a bio-absorbable implant is limited. Some studies have outlined that reinforcement of hydroxyapatite (HAp), and chitosan (CS) helps in improving the biodegradability of the PVDF composite matrix. But hitherto little has been reported on the biodegradability comparison for virgin PVDF, and PVDF composite matrix (with different proportions of HAp and CS as reinforcement). This study reports the biodegradability of virgin PVDF, 90% PVDF–10% HAp, 90% PVDF–8% HAp–2% CS, and 90% PVDF–9% HAp–1% CS based on a corrosion testing (open circuit potential, polarization resistance, corrosion current, corrosion rate [CR], surface roughness (Ra), and porosity %) in simulated bodily fluid (SBF) for possible bio-absorbable implant applications. The study suggests that the biodegradability of 90% PVDF–9% HAp–1% CS is maximum having CR 26.389mm2/year, mainly due to the presence of more hydroxyl group (-OH). The corresponding porosity % and Ra (after corrosion testing) were noticed as 12.45% and 19.12 µm. The results are supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images.

NANOCOMPOSITE-BASED THIN FILM CARBON MONOXIDE SENSORS

Over the past decade, organic semiconductors have been of great interest in basic research and practical applications. Composites based on organic materials have become widespread due to their unique properties and partial biodegradability: they are also suitable as sensitive materials — sensors for detecting various gases. One such gas is carbon monoxide or a different carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide occurs wherever conditions exist for incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances. One of the industrial industries where carbon monoxide is emitted in large volumes is the oil and gas industry. The main source in this industry are flares for combustion of associated gases, during the operation of gas turbine plants, as well as exhaust gases from internal combustion engines of construction, drilling equipment, vehicles, etc. Due to the high toxicity of carbon monoxide, it is necessary to create highly sensitive materials for CO sensors. So, when inhaling small concentrations of carbon monoxide (up to 1000 mg/m3), a person feels heaviness in the head, dizziness, nausea, a feeling of pleasant exhaustion, due to which a person cannot soon leave the affected area, and with prolonged (2–3 months) contact with CO, chronic carbon monoxide poisoning is possible at a concentration of 10-50 mg/m3. Therefore, the search for a new material having high sensitivity and selectivity to carbon monoxide is relevant. The purpose of this study is to develop a highly sensitive electronic gas sensor for detecting carbon monoxide at room temperature. The films were made by irrigation from a polymer solution containing graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes. The morphology of the surface of thin polymer films was investigated, spectral chemical analysis was carried out, voltampere characteristics of sensors were measureed0 and an IoT (Internet of Things) solution for remote monitoring was developed. The results show a good response and repeatability of the results at room temperature, allowing the thin films of the graphene polymer-CNT oxide composite to be considered a promising electronic sensor material for CO detection.

Study on the Degradation of a Semi-Synthetic Lignin-Acrylic Acid Hydrogel with Common Bacteria Found in Natural Attenuation Processes.

In this study, lignin was chemically modified to promote hydrogel degradation as a source of carbon and nitrogen for a bacterial consortium consisting of P. putida F1, B. cereus and, B. paramycoides. A hydrogel was synthesized using acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM), and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and cross-linked with the modified lignin. The structural changes and mass loss in the hydrogel, as well as its final composition, were evaluated as functions of the growth of the selected strains in a culture broth with the powdered hydrogel. The average loss was 18.4% wt. The hydrogel was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (EA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) before and after bacterial treatment. FTIR showed that the carboxylic groups present in both the lignin and the acrylic acid of the hydrogel decreased during bacterial growth. The bacteria showed a preference for the biomaterial components of the hydrogel. SEM demonstrated superficial morphological changes in the hydrogel. The results reveal that the hydrogel was assimilated by the bacterial consortium while preserving the water retention capacity of the material and that the microorganisms carried out a partial biodegradation of the hydrogel. The results of the EA and TGA confirm that the bacterial consortium not only degraded the biopolymer (lignin), but also used the synthetic hydrogel as a carbon source to degrade its polymeric chains and modified original properties. This modification with lignin as a crosslinker (which is a waste product of the paper industry) is therefore proposed to promote hydrogel degradation.

Preparation, Characteristics, and Application of Biopolymer Materials Reinforced with Lignocellulosic Fibres

Various environmental concerns motivate scientists and researchers to look out for unique new materials in science and technology. In order to address the demand for polymeric materials with partial biodegradability, the usage of lignocellulosic fibre in the polymer matrix has risen. Lignocellulosic fibres are a cheap, easily renewable resource that is readily available in all regions. Cellulosic plant fibres also have a plethora of possibilities for use in polymer reinforcement because of their properties. Many researchers put their effort into developing a natural polymer with better mechanical properties and thermal stability using nanotechnology and the use of natural polymers to make its composites with lignocellulosic fibres. This study provides a review of the biodegradable composite market, processing methods, matrix-reinforcement phases, morphology, and characteristic improvements. In addition, it provides a concise summary of the findings of significant research on natural fibre polymer composites (NFRCs) that have been published. Indeed, a noticeably brief discussion is provided on the significant issues faced during composite extraction as well as the challenges encountered during the machining. Recent developments in the study of lignocellulosic fibre composites or NFRCs have demonstrated their enormous potential as structural elements in vehicles, aerospace structures, buildings, ballistics, soundproofing, and other structures.

Potential of sediment bacterial communities from Manila Bay (Philippines) to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

The persistence of plastics and its effects in different environments where they accumulate, particularly in coastal areas, is of serious concern. These plastics exhibit signs of degradation, possibly mediated by microorganisms. In this study, we investigated the potential of sediment microbial communities from Manila Bay, Philippines, which has a severe plastics problem, to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Plastics in selected sites were quantified and sediment samples from sites with the lowest and highest plastic accumulation were collected. These sediments were then introduced and incubated with LDPE in vitro for a period of 91days. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy detected the appearance of carbonyl and vinyl products on the plastic surface, indicating structural surface modifications attributed to polymer degradation. Communities attached to the plastics were profiled using high-throughput sequencing of the V4-V5 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Members of the phylum Proteobacteria dominated the plastic surface throughout the experiment. Several bacterial taxa associated with hydrocarbon degradation were also enriched, with some taxa positively correlating with the biodegradation indices, suggesting potential active roles in the partial biodegradation of plastics. Other taxa were also present, which might be consuming by-products or providing nourishment for other groups, indicating synergy in utilizing the plastic as the main carbon source and creation of a microenvironment within the plastics biofilm. This study showed that sediment microbes from Manila Bay may have naturally occurring microbial groups potentially capable of partially degrading plastics, supporting previous studies that the biodegradation potential for plastics is ubiquitously present in marine microbial assemblages.

Tough, Bio‐disintegrable and Stretchable Substrate Reinforced with Nanofibers for Transient Wearable Electronics

AbstractResearch on transient wearable electronics with stretchable components is of increasing interest because of their abilities to conform seamlessly to human tissues and, more interestingly, disappear from the environment when disposed. To wear them comfortably, their component materials must be pliable, tough, stretchable, biocompatible, and disintegrable. However, most biodegradable materials are not stretchable or tough, limiting their use in transient wearable electronics. Herein, these challenges are addressed by demonstrating a biodegradable nanofiber (NF)‐reinforced water‐borne polyurethane (NFR‐WPU) with stretchability, toughness, and partial biodegradability by embedding biodegradable composite NFs of poly(glycerol sebacate): poly(vinyl alcohol) (PGS:PVA) into the WPU matrix, thus rendering its properties tunable. An optimal loading amount of NFs into the NFR‐WPU significantly enhanced the toughness by 19 times while maintaining the Young's modulus as low as 3.3 MPa. Furthermore, the NFR‐WPU substrate has very high fracture toughness and shows excellent biocompatibility. Moreover, the NFR‐WPU has a disintegration rate nine times greater than that of pristine WPU. Finally, disintegrable and stretchable triboelectric and capacitive touch sensors on the NFR‐WPU are fabricated and demonstrated for potential use in transient wearable electronics.

Effect of Polymer Properties on the Biodegradation of Polyurethane Microplastics.

The release of fragments from plastic products, that is, secondary microplastics, is a major concern in the context of the global plastic pollution. Currently available (thermoplastic) polyurethanes [(T)PU] are not biodegradable and therefore should be recycled. However, the ester bond in (T)PUs might be sufficiently hydrolysable to enable at least partial biodegradation of polyurethane particles. Here, we investigated biodegradation in compost of different types of (T)PU to gain insights into their fragmentation and biodegradation mechanisms. The studied (T)PUs varied regarding the chemistry of their polymer backbone (aromatic/aliphatic), hard phase content, cross-linking degree, and presence of a hydrolysis-stabilizing additive. We developed and validated an efficient and non-destructive polymer particle extraction process for partially biodegraded (T)PUs based on ultrasonication and density separation. Our results showed that biodegradation rates and extents decreased with increasing cross-linking density and hard-segment content. We found that the presence of a hydrolysis stabilizer reduced (T)PU fragmentation while not affecting the conversion of (T)PU carbon into CO2. We propose a biodegradation mechanism for (T)PUs that includes both mother particle shrinkage by surface erosion and fragmentation. The presented results help to understand structure-degradation relationships of (T)PUs and support recycling strategies.

Towards passive bioremediation of dye-bearing effluents using hydrous ferric oxide wastes: Mechanisms, products and microbiology

A novel, circular economy-inspired approach for the “passive” (non-powered and reagent-free) treatment of dye-bearing effluent is presented. The treatment utilises the biogeochemical interaction of dye-bearing wastewater with hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) bearing sludges. The work presented demonstrates for the first time the reuse of HFO-rich waste sludges from potable water and mine water treatment. The waste was used directly without modification or reagent addition, as media/substrate in simple flow-through reactors for the decolourisation and biodegradation of methyl orange (MO) and mixed dyes textile effluent. Three phases of exploratory proof of concept work were undertaken. Columns containing HFO sludges were challenged with solution of MO, and MO amended with glycerol (Phase I), MO in a synthetic textile effluent recipe (Phase II), and real mixed textile effluent containing a mixture of dyes (Phase III). After an initial lag period extensive decolourisation of dye was observed in all cases at rates comparable with pure strains and engineered bioreactor processes, with evidence of biodegradation beyond simple cleavage of the mono azo chromophore and mineralisation. The microbiology of the initial sludge samples in both cases exhibited a diverse range of iron oxidising and reducing bacteria. However, post experiment the microbiology of sludge evolved from being dominated by Proteobacteria to being dominated by Firmicutes. Distinct changes in the microbial community structure were observed in post-treatment MWTS and WTWS where genera capable of iron and sulphate reduction and/or aromatic amine degradation were identified. Average nitrogen removal rates for the columns ranged from 27.8 to 194 g/m3/day which is higher than engineered sequential anaerobic-aerobic bioreactor. Postulated mechanisms for the fast anaerobic decolourisation, biodegradation, and mineralisation of the dyes (as well nitrogen transformations) include various direct and indirect enzymatic and metabolic reactions, as well as reductive attack by continuously regenerated reductants such as Fe(II), HFO bound Fe(II), FeS, and HS−. The ability of iron reducers to degrade aromatic rings is also considered important in the further biodegradation and complete mineralisation of organic carbon. The study reveals that abundant and ubiquitous HFO-rich waste sludges, can be used without amendment, as a substrate in simple flow-through bioremediation system for the decolourisation and partial biodegradation of dyes in textile effluent.

Optimization of tribological performance of natural fibers/epoxy composites using ANOVA & TOPSIS approach

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites are being used globally in every field of engineering and technology to develop structural and non-structural components. These composites are being extensively used in automobile sector, aerospace sector, shipping industries and medical equipment’s. Such type of materials has gained attention due to their massive properties such as partial bio-degradability, non-toxic and high specific strength. The present work represents the optimization of tribological performance (frictional force, coefficient of friction and specific wear rate) of polymer composites using ANOVA & TOPSIS methods. In this work, polymeric composites were fabricated by jute, hemp, flax reinforced fibers with epoxy polymer using hand lay-up technique. ANOVA and TOPSIS have been used as an efficient tool for optimizing the wear data. ANOVA tool represents that friction force, coefficient of friction and specific wear rate of the samples have discrete effect with the composition of samples as well as applied load. ANOVA technique only mentions the effect of variable but do not define which sample has maximum effect of variables. TOPSIS technique assigns the rank of the samples according to performance.

Rapid Degradation of Superabsorbent Poly(Potassium Acrylate) and its Acrylamide Copolymer Via Thermo-Oxidation by Hydrogen Peroxide

Superabsorbent poly(potassium acrylate) (P(KA)) and poly[acrylamide-co-(potassium acrylate)] (P(Am-co-KA)) were synthesized and their effective degradation via chemical and biological processes were pursued. Significant reductions in dry mass and water absorbency were observed after P(KA) (53% and 54%, respectively) and P(Am-co-KA) (43% and 40%, respectively) were buried in the soil for ten weeks, indicating their partial biodegradation. Although the living fungal culture failed to degrade the polymers, digestion by its crude peroxidase (20 U/g, 16 h) significantly decreased the dry mass (15%; 15.0 ± 0.3 g) and water absorbency (13%; 16.0 ± 1.0 g/g) of P(KA). Chemical oxidation using H2O2 at high temperature with/without peroxidase efficiently liquidized both polymers specifying significant changes of their structures. The maximum degradation of P(KA) (99.84% weight loss) was obtained when incubated with 12.8% (v/w) H2O2 at 65 °C for 7.3 h while 98.43% weight loss was achieved after P(Am-co-KA) was incubated with 14.8% (v/w) H2O2 at 68 °C for 9.2 h. To assess the phytotoxicity of the degraded products, their effect on seed germination was determined. No significant inhibition was observed in mung bean germinating on both the untreated polymers and their oxidized products. On sweet corn, the degraded products were apparently less inhibitory than did the untreated polymers. These results suggested that the rapid and efficient degradation of polyacrylate and its copolymer by the thermo-oxidation of H2O2 could be applied for a larger scale of superabsorbent waste management.

Biodegradable composites of waste expanded polystyrene with modified neem oil for packaging applications

Polymer composite film containing expanded polystyrene wastes, poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), epoxidized neem oil and cassava starch was prepared by solution casting technique. The composite film was characterized by FTIR, NMR, X-ray diffraction, and FESEM analysis. The thermal stability of the polymer composite film was studied by TGA and DSC. Melting point, glass transition temperature and cold-crystallization temperature of the composite films were found to decrease with increasing percentages of epoxidized neem oil plasticizer, which point towards the enhanced segmental mobility of the polymer chain. TGA results show that plasticization has enhanced the thermal stability of the polymer composite. The prepared films show improved percentage elongation with moderate tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Soil burial test was adopted to check the biodegradability. The lower values of water absorption indicate the water-resistant nature of the films. This green synthetic approach offers a simple means of up-cycling waste thermocol in a cost-effective manner which imparts partial biodegradability with potential for packaging film and eliminates the usage of toxic chemicals.

The effect of Ag, ZnO, and CuO nanoparticles on the properties of the compatibilized polyethylene/thermoplastic starch blend films

AbstractIn this study, the effects of Ag, ZnO, and CuO nanoparticles (NPs) on the mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability properties of the compatibilized polyethylene (PE)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends were investigated. Polyethylene‐grafted maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MA) was used as the compatibilizer. The compatibilized PE/TPS blends with different NPs were prepared by melt mixing method in a laboratory scale extruder and then pressurized in the press machine. The use of ZnO NP together with the compatibilizer in PE/TPS‐based films significantly increased the tensile stress values. The use of different type NPs did not cause any significant change in the thermal stability of PE/TPS‐based films. However, the effects of NPs were observed on the TPS degradation steps. The prepared films with different NPs showed an antibacterial activity between 60% and 70%. The highest crystallinity value was obtained in Ag NP containing films, among others. According to scanning electron microscopy analysis, better distribution was observed for ZnO and Ag NPs than CuO NP. In general, it can be said that the addition of NPs to PE/TPS‐based blends significantly reduces the partial biodegradability of the resulting films.

Evaluation by IR spectroscopy of the degradation of different types of commercial polyethylene exposed to UV radiation and domestic compost in ambient conditions

AbstractDifferent types of commercial polyethylene films, low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), and biodegradable polyethylene (BIO‐PE), were exposed to UV‐B radiation at different exposure time and domestic composting during spring and fall at ambient conditions. The effects of UV‐B radiation and domestic composting on LDPE, HDPE, and BIO‐PE degradation were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. LDPE, HDPE, and BIO‐PE exposed to UV‐B radiation underwent photo oxidation reactions leading to the formation of carbonyl (CO) and vinyl (CH2CH) groups and hydrophilic surface modification. Also, the exposure of LDPE, HDPE, and BIO‐PE to domestic composting at ambient conditions at different seasons suffered biodegradation reactions leading to the formation of polysaccharides. In both different seasons LDPE, HDPE, and BIO‐PE underwent partial biodegradation, remaining in the domestic composting as unwanted polymer debris. However, biodegradation in domestic composting is not recommended as feasible disposal routes for nonbiodegradable and commercially labeled as biodegradable PE.

Effect of sludge recirculation on removal of antibiotics in two-stage membrane bioreactor (MBR) treating livestock wastewater.

Two-stage MBR consisting of anaerobic and aerobic reactors was operated at total hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 48h for the treatment of livestock wastewater containing antibiotics, i.e. amoxicillin (AMX), tiamulin (TIA), and chlortetracycline (CTC), under the (1st) absence and (2nd) presence of sludge recirculation between the reactors. During the operation with sludge recirculation, the removals of organic and nitrogen were enhanced. Meanwhile, the removals of TIA and CTC were found to decrease by 9% and 20% in the aerobic reactor but increased by 5% to 7% in the anaerobic reactor due to the relocation of biomass from the aerobic to the anaerobic reactor. A high degree of AMX biodegradation under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions and partial biodegradation of TIA and CTC under aerobic conditions were confirmed in batch experiments. Moreover, the effect of sludge recirculation on biomass and pollutant removal efficiencies in the 2-stage MBR was revealed using microbial community analyses. Membrane filtration also helped to retain the adsorbed antibiotics associated with small colloidal particles in the system.

Development of biobased waterborne coatings containing Ecomer®: An alkyl polyglucoside maleic acid ester monomer

Partially biodegradable waterborne coatings with bio-contents ranging from 30 % to 65% have been developed using Ecomer®, an alkyl polyglucoside maleic acid ester functional comonomer, by seeded semibatch emulsion polymerization. The composition of the commercial monomer was characterized and its copolymerization was carried out analyzing its incorporation degree. Thereafter, waterborne coating systems containing 2-Octyl acrylate and isobornyl methacrylate as main comonomers were developed and fully analyzed. The caramelization process allowed to incorporate the free Ecomer® content as well as to improve both mechanical and coating properties. IR, TGA and DMTA analysis shed light about this process and its correlation with the final properties. The incorporation of sugar moieties resulted in partial biodegradability of the coatings films, being less biodegradable the caramelized ones.

Effect of biodegradation on haloacetic acid formation potentials of anthropogenic compounds during chlorination

During drinking water treatment processes, anthropogenic compounds act as important precursors of disinfection by-products such as haloacetic acids (HAAs). Several transformations in these precursors occur prior to the disinfection stage, such as partial biodegradation. We hypothesized that this partial biodegradation of anthropogenic compounds potentially affects their HAA formation potentials (HAAFPs). In this study, the HAAFPs of 51 anthropogenic compounds after short-term contact (less than 1h) and long-term contact (24h) with activated sludge were compared. Considerable changes were observed particularly in trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) formation potentials (FPs) of phenols, demonstrating that biodegradation should be considered in investigations of potential precursors of HAAs. Phenols with low HAAFPs, such as hydroquinone, show higher HAAFPs after biodegradation, but HAAFPs of most phenols and anilines decreased after biodegradation. Thus, biodegradation will most likely have a positive impact on water quality from the standpoint of HAAFP reduction. For most aliphatic compounds, changes in HAAFP were negligible, but the dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) FP of acrylic acid largely increased. This study illustrates that biodegradation may have a large effect on the HAAFPs of anthropogenic compounds.

Chemometrics-Assisted Monitoring in Raman Spectroscopy for the Biodegradation Process of an Aqueous Polyfluoroalkyl Ether from a Fire-Fighting foam in an Environmental Matrix

Surfactants based on polyfluoroalkyl ethers are commonly used in fire-fighting foams on airport platforms, including for training sessions. Because of their persistence into the environment, their toxicity and their bioaccumulation, abnormal amounts can be found in ground and surface water following the operations of airport platforms. As with many other anthropogenic, organic compounds, some concerns are raised about their biodegradation. That is why the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 301 F protocol was implemented to monitor the oxygen consumption during the biodegradation of a commercial fire-fighting foam. However, a Raman spectroscopic monitoring of the process was also attached to this experimental procedure to evaluate to what extent a polyfluoroalkyl ether disappeared from the environmental matrix. Our approach relies on the use of chemometrics, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares (PLS), in order to monitor the kinetics of the biodegradation reaction of one fire-fighting foam, Tridol S3B, containing a polyfluoroalkyl ether. This study provided a better appreciation of the partial biodegradation of some polyfluoroalkyl ethers by coupling Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics. This will ultimately facilitate the design of future purification and remediation devices for airport platforms.