Biodegradability Testing – Chemical Impact

Test No. 310: Ready Biodegradability – CO2 in sealed vessels (Headspace Test) Purpose: This test determines if a chemical is readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions (meaning in the presence of oxygen). This knowledge is crucial for assessing the chemical’s potential persistence and environmental impact. Method: The test substance is incubated in sealed bottles containing a buffer-mineral salts […]

Test No. 306: Biodegradability in Seawater The OECD 306 Guideline describes two methods for assessing the biodegradability of organic materials in seawater: Importance of Seawater Biodegradability Testing: Understanding how chemicals break down in marine environments is crucial for protecting the health of our oceans and the organisms that live there. This test helps predict the fate

Test No. 304A: Inherent Biodegradability in Soil The OECD 304 actually refers to two distinct test guidelines, both focused on assessing the biodegradability of chemicals in soil: 1. OECD 304A: Inherent Biodegradability in Soil This test evaluates the mineralization rate of a 14C-labeled test substance in soil. It measures the rate at which the organic carbon content of the test substance

Test No. 301: Ready Biodegradability It’s actually not just one test, but a group of six related test guidelines for assessing the ready biodegradability of chemicals in an aerobic aqueous medium. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which method to use depends on the specific properties of the test substance.