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The biodegradability is an important environmental parameter for the assessment of organic substances and describes its decomposition and mineralization by microorganisms in the environment. The OECD differs between the ready biodegradability and the inherent biodegradability. If the criteria of ready biodegradability are not reached, the inherent degradability should be tested in the next step. The OECD test methods are required for classification and approval of different product groups and are selected in dependence of the substance properties.

Thanks to many years of experience we can help you to develop an individual test strategy and to find the appropriate test method for your substance!

Ready Biodegradability
Guideline Description Substance properties

OECD 301A

DOC-Die-Away Test

water-soluble,
not volatile

OECD 301B

CO2-Evolution Test (Sturm Test)

water-soluble/water-insoluble,
not volatile

OECD 301D

Closed-Bottle Test

water-soluble

OECD 301F

Manometric Respirometry Test

water-soluble/water-insoluble,
volatile/not volatile

OECD 310

CO2-Headspace Test

water-soluble

 

Inherent Biodegradability
Guideline Description Substance properties

OECD 302B

Zahn-Wellens / EMPA Test

water-soluble,
not volatile, filterable

 

Anaerobic Biodegradability
Guideline Description
OECD 311

Anaerobic Biodegradability of Organic Compounds in Digested Sludge: by Measurement of Gas Production

 

Biodegradability of Plastic Materials
Guideline Description
EN ISO 14851:2019 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in an aqueous medium - Method by measuring the oxygen demand in a closed respirometer (based on OECD 301F)
EN ISO 14852:2018 The endpoint Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in an aqueous medium - can be covered by EN ISO 14851


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