Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    mimi42117's Avatar
    mimi42117 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Sep 16, 2009, 05:36 PM
    Decomposition of Paper Plates
    Is there a way to speed up the decomposition of paper plates?
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Sep 16, 2009, 08:25 PM
    Hi, mimi42117!

    I would think that if they were buried in soil and exposed to moiture, that the decomposition of them would be accelerated.

    Is that the kind of answer for which you were looking, or were you looking for a different kind of answer, please?

    Thanks!
    Perito's Avatar
    Perito Posts: 3,139, Reputation: 150
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #3

    Sep 17, 2009, 07:12 AM

    Moisture plus injection of bacteria that feed on the paper plates.
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Sep 17, 2009, 01:09 PM
    Hi, Perito!

    So, what type or types of bacteria would feed on the paper plates, please?

    Thanks!
    Perito's Avatar
    Perito Posts: 3,139, Reputation: 150
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #5

    Sep 18, 2009, 07:20 AM

    Good question. Unfortunately, it's a tough answer. Wastewater treatment plants grow bacteria specifically to handle the material in their loads. I'd talk with an engineer in one of those plants about how to get the bacteria started.
    Capuchin's Avatar
    Capuchin Posts: 5,255, Reputation: 656
    Uber Member
    		  
    #6

    Sep 18, 2009, 08:49 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Clough View Post
    Hi, mimi42117!

    I would think that if they were buried in soil and exposed to moiture, that the decomposition of them would be accelerated.

    Is that the kind of answer for which you were looking, or were you looking for a different kind of answer, please?

    Thanks!
    As far as I understand it, this is only due to increase in contact with micro-organisms. They are the primary decomposing agents. Soil and water alone won't do much to the plate.

    Decomposition is a biological activity.
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
    		  
    #7

    Sep 19, 2009, 12:25 AM
    Thank you, Capuchin for further elaboration on what might happen with the conditions that I put forth. I'm no science person, but you did fill in the gaps!

    Thanks!
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search


Check out some similar questions!

Thermal Decomposition [ 1 Answers ]

What is word equation for the thermal decomposition of the following: a) zinc carbonate b) iron nitrate c) sodium nitrate d) silver nitrate :mad::confused::mad::confused:

Changing english plates to spanish plates [ 1 Answers ]

I'm moving back to spain and I want to take my fiat barchetta with me but I heard that you have to change the licience plates over. How would I do this and how much does it cost? Is there anything else I should know?

How do we know it is a decomposition reaction? [ 1 Answers ]

Please explain your answer ;) thankz for your help Like I said: How do we know it is a decompositon reaction? :confused:

Decomposition [ 2 Answers ]

This gruesome question is research for a novel... can you tell me the chronology of decomposition of a newborn body shallowly buried in freezing/near freezing outdoor temperature? How long would the body remain intact for identification of a cause of death?

View more questions Search