OECD 301F – Biodegradation Test – O2 Consumption

OECD 301F is a solutions aerobic biodegradation test that determines the biodegradability of a material by measuring oxygen consumption.

OECD 301F is most often used for insoluble and volatile materials that are challenged by OECD 301B testing.  The purity or proportions of major components of the test material is important for calculating the Theoretical Oxygen Demand (ThOD).

Similarly to other 301 test methods, standard testing for OECD 301F is a minimum of 28 days and can measure ready or ultimate biodegradability. To be classified as readily biodegradable, a product has to meet the ready biodegradability requirements specified by the method.  Ultimate biodegradation provides the nearest approximation for the total amount of the material that will biodegrade, provided that it meets the requirements set by the method of ultimate biodegradation.

Biodegradability testing can incur additional challenges from the material formulation.  There are many chemical and physical properties of a material that may affect biodegradability results. For more information on biodegradation testing and chemical and physical properties, please visit our Biodegradability Testing – Chemical Impacts page.

Many customers request Ready Biodegradability testing to meet regulatory or third party labeling requirements. It is strongly recommended to review requirements with the appropriate agency to determine what type of biodegradation testing is required to make performance claims about a material’s biodegradability.

For more information about OECD 301F and biodegradability testing, contact the biodegradation lab at 847-483-9950 or info@situtest.com.