Abstract—The main problem lies in the growing accumulation of plastic waste derived from fossil sources, which decomposes extremely slowly, especially in the case of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), a widely used material whose discarding contributes to the proliferation of microplastics in ecosystems. This situation is aggravated in regions such as Huancayo, Peru, where the inadequate management of plastic waste is a critical challenge, coupled with the lack of adequate use of organic waste, which limits the implementation of effective recycling and recovery strategies, increasing the pollution load in the environment. In view of this problem, the efficiency of bioplastics made from starch extracted from Broad Bean Pod (Vicia faba) was investigated in comparison with LDPE bags, in order to assess their viability as a biodegradable alternative. The study began by obtaining the starch, for which broad bean pod residues were collected, liquefied and then left to rest in containers, thus favouring sedimentation, followed by a drying process. Once the starch was isolated, bioplastics were made using glycerol as a plasticiser. Various physicochemical properties of the starch were evaluated, such as gelatinisation temperature, bulk density, solubility, pH, viscosity, ash content, amylose to amylopectin ratio, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy; and the bioplastics obtained were tested for thickness, moisture content, solubility, permeability, as well as mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation. The results showed that the bioplastics made from starch had a density of 1.296g/ml, a tensile strength of 2.41MPa and an elongation ranging from 46.67% to 186.67%. In addition, the bioplastics were found to be water soluble in a range of 2.358% to 51.974%, demonstrating their biodegradable character, unlike conventional plastics that are insoluble and non-biodegradable. Although bioplastics have a slightly lower mechanical performance, their biodegradability positions them as a more sustainable alternative, contributing to the reduction of the environmental impact caused by plastic waste.
Keywords—Broad Bean Pod starch, bioplastics, low-density polyethylene, sustainability, glycerol
Cite: Jiomaira del Cielo Cotache Mercado, Keila Leslie Basaldua Papuico, Jhon Alex de la Cruz Perez, and Steve Dann Camargo Hinostroza, "Comparison of the Efficiency of Bioplastic Generated from Vicia Faba (Broad Bean) Waste and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)," International Journal of Environmental Science and Development vol. 16, no. 5, pp. 320-331, 2025.
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