The Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates During Bokashi Composting

A Study on Sustainability

Authors

  • Madelyn Brown University of Colorado Boulder

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33011/cuhj20231745

Keywords:

polyhydroxyalkanoate, bioplastic, plastic, sustainability

Abstract

This study examines how the sustainability of the plastic industry can be improved through a concurrent method of polyhydroxyalkanoate production, specifically that of a bokashi compost media. In studying previous research on the plastic manufacturing processes, the researcher found a gap in knowledge in the affordability and accessibility of bioplastic production, limiting the expansion of the industry. By studying how Escherichia coli reacts to a feast famine cycle in a bokashi compost habitat, the study addresses the question: to what extent, if any, does the ability to modify phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen levels in compost bins allow for polyhydroxyalkanoates to be produced in order to determine and expand the accessibility of bioplastics? The researcher collected data of the bacterial body mass containing polyhydroxyalkanoate before and after a feast famine cycle. This data lead to the definitive conclusion that polyhydroxyalkanoates can be produced in a concurrent method of production in a bokashi compost bin.

To see the complete thesis, please visit https://journals.colorado.edu/index.php/honorsjournal/article/view/1745.

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Published

2023-05-04

How to Cite

Brown, M. (2023). The Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates During Bokashi Composting: A Study on Sustainability. University of Colorado Honors Journal, 124. https://doi.org/10.33011/cuhj20231745

Issue

Section

Natural Science