OECD 302D – Inherent Biodegradability: Concawe Test
OECD 302D is an aerobic biodegradation test intended to evaluate the inherent biodegradability of organic substances.
This aerobic biodegradation test can be utilized for materials that are insoluble and/or volatile. Water soluble materials can be tested with OECD 302D as well.
In this method, the test substance is incubated in a buffered mineral salts medium inoculated with a mixed microorganism culture derived from soil and waste water. The culture is first pre-exposed to the test substance in order to enhance its biodegradative potential.
From the ultimate aerobic biodegradation of the test substance in the presence of O2, CO2 evaluation is determined by measuring and analyzing the inorganic carbon in a sealed vessel (CO2 headspace test). The degree of biodegradation is then expressed as a percentage of the theoretical inorganic carbon production, ThIC.
Similarly to OECD 302D, the readily biodegradability OECD 301B test measures the biodegradation of a material by CO2 evaluation. As for CO2 headspace assessment, ISO 14593 is often requested for ultimate aerobic biodegradation determination.
Biodegradability evaluation may involve different measurements of biodegradation such as DOC, CO2 or O2. For more information, visit our Biodegradation: Measurements and Methods page.
It is highly recommended to review testing requirements with the appropriate agency prior to testing to determine which methods are required for labeling claims and regulatory acceptance.
For more information about Biodegradability Testing, contact the Situ Biosciences’ lab at info@situtest.com or (847) 483-9950.