NavigationBiodegradation
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!
| Guideline | Description | Substance properties |
|---|---|---|
|
OECD 301A |
DOC-Die-Away Test |
water soluble, |
|
OECD 301B |
CO2-Evolution Test (Sturm Test) |
insoluble in water, |
|
OECD 301D |
Closed-Bottle Test |
water soluble |
|
OECD 301F |
Manometric Respirometry Test |
insoluble in water, |
|
OECD 310 |
CO2-Headspace Test |
volatile |
| Guideline | Description | Substance properties |
|---|---|---|
|
OECD 302B |
Zahn-Wellens / EMPA Test |
insoluble in water, |
| 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 |
| 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 |
The following table shows the different Biodegradation Tests according OECD 301 which are applied in dependence of the substance properties.
Table 1 - Applicability of Test Methods (OECD 301, Ready Biodegradability)
| Test | Analytical method | Suitability for compounds which are: | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| poorly soluble | volatile | adsorbing | ||
|
DOC Die-Away |
Dissolved organic carbon |
- |
- |
+/- |
|
Co2 Evolution |
Respirometry: CO2 evolution |
+ |
- |
+ |
|
Closed Bottle |
Respirometry: dissolved oxygen |
- |
+ |
+ |
|
Manometric Respirometry |
Oxygen consumption |
+ |
+/- |
+ |
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