OECD 302C – Inherent Biodegradation: MITI Test (II)

OECD 302C is an aerobic biodegradability test method intended to determine inherent biodegradation of products. The test is an alternative to the OECD 301C  for readily biodegradability for materials that have not met the ready biodegradability requirement.

OECD 302C measures the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and analyzes residual chemicals in order to evaluate inherent biodegradability of the test substance. Testing is conducted in an automated closed-system where the test sample is inoculated with the appropriate microbial culture. BOD consumption is measured continuously throughout the test period. The product’s biodegradation is determined based on the BOD measurement as well as chemical analysis such as Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) concentration.

Physical and chemical properties can impact biodegradability testing and it is important to communicate these properties with the testing laboratory prior to initiating a biodegradation test. For more information on biodegradability testing and how material’s chemical or physical properties can affect biodegradability testing, please visit our Biodegradability Testing – Chemical Impacts page.

To meet regulatory requirements and to gain market acceptance, customers commonly request biodegradability and toxicology testing. At Situ Biosciences, our laboratory offers a broad range of biodegradation and toxicity tests.

It is highly recommended to review testing requirements with the appropriate regulatory agency to determine which biodegradation testing is required to make performance claims about a material’s biodegradability.

For more information about OECD 302 and Biodegradability Testing, contact our laboratory at info@situtest.com or (847) 483-9950.