For this determination I think you can use the standard norm ISO 14852 Determination of the ultimate aerobic degradability of plastic materials in an acqueous medium - method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide
Under proper conditions, some biodegradable plastics can degrade to the point where microorganisms can completely metabolise them to carbon dioxide (and water). For example, starch-based bioplastics produced from sustainable farming methods could be almost carbon neutral.
There are allegations that "Oxo Biodegradable (OBD)" plastic bags may release metals, and may require a great deal of time to degrade in certain circumstances [7] and that OBD plastics may produce tiny fragments of plastic that do not continue to degrade at any appreciable rate regardless of the environment.[8][9] The response of the Oxo-biodegradable Plastics Association (www.biodeg.org) is that OBD plastics do not contain metals. They contain salts of metals, which are not prohibited by legislation and are in fact necessary as trace-elements in the human diet. Oxo-biodegradation of polymer material has been studied in depth at the Technical Research Institute of Sweden and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. A peer-reviewed report of the work was published in Vol 96 of the journal of Polymer Degradation & Stability (2011) at page 919-928, which shows 91% biodegradation in a soil environment within 24 months, when tested in accordance with ISO 17556.[citation needed]
direct proof of biodegradability is only possible with a controlled and closed lab test. The very best proof is with radiolabeled material: ASTM D6692. There are quite some standard tests from standardisation bodies availabel: ISO 18830, ISO 19679, older ones are ASTM D6691, ISO 14851, ISO 15314, ASTM D5271, ASTM D5988, etc. (this list is not complete!)
The drawback of lab tests is that the environmental conditions are only limited represented. That is why we recommend a 2 or better 3-level approach and to add to the lab test a mesocosm and field test. More details you can find in this literature:
Another aspect, maybe intersting for your work, is that the biodegradation strongly depends on the habitat you are interested. Your test material might well biodegrade in a compost but does hardly in marine water, nor in marine sands or vice versa. Because of the complexity of the different environments matrials might end up standardisation bodies try to cover several of them. We are currently supporting the development of further marine standard tests in different habitats.
I hope that this information is helpful for you. Do not hestiate to contact me if questions remain.
Kind regards,
Dr. Miriam Weber / HYDRA Institute for Marine Sciences