Assessment of the Biodegradation of Bioplastics from Cassava Starch and Glycerol in Kansanga-Kampala, Uganda

Nambafu Vivian Bridget, and Ampaire Wycliffe

School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Kampala International University, Kampala Uganda

ABSTRACT

Plastics significantly contribute to environmental pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. This study assesses the biodegradation of bioplastics derived from cassava starch and glycerol as an alternative to conventional plastics. Cassava starch was extracted using wet milling, followed by the formulation of bioplastic films with glycerol as a plasticizer. The chemical composition was analyzed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, confirming the presence of starch, glycerol, and cellulose derivatives. Biodegradability tests were conducted through soil burial and water degradation methods. Results showed that cassava starch-based bioplastics degraded completely within 10 days in soil, facilitated by microbial activity and moisture. In water, a 60% weight loss was observed over 14 days due to hydrolysis. The presence of hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups contributed to the film’s hydrophilic nature, accelerating degradation. These findings suggest that cassava starch-based bioplastics offer a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. However, further optimization of mechanical properties and water resistance is recommended to enhance practical applications in packaging and other industries.

Keywords: Cassava starch-based bioplastics; Biodegradability; ATR-FTIR spectroscopy; Soil and water degradation; Environmental pollution

CITE AS: Nambafu Vivian Bridget and Ampaire Wycliffe (2025). Assessment of the Biodegradation of Bioplastics from Cassava Starch and Glycerol in Kansanga-Kampala, Uganda. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 5(3):1-13. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJSES/2025/5311300