Biodegradability of [14C]methylcellulose by activated sludge

Three Methocel methylcellulose ethers of 1.9 degree of substitution with [14C]methyl labels were shown to be biodegradable using batch-type activated sludge tests. The maximum rate for conversion to 14CO2, attained after 1 week, was only 0.62 mg of methylcellulose/g of mixed liquor volatile solids per day. In 20 days, 55 to 73% of the radioactivity had been removed from solution as 14CO2, and the suspended solids contained 12 to 15% of the original radioactivity. Only 4% of the original methylcellulose appeared to be polymeric after the 20-day period. Thin-layer chromatography of supernatant liquid indicated at least two degradation products.