scope:

This International Standard describes a method for determining the effects of substances or contaminated soils on reproduction and on survival of the worm Enchytraeus albidus (Enchytraeidae). The animals are exposed to the substances by dermal and alimentary uptake using a defined artificial soil substrate to which specified amounts of that substance are added, or by using a soil substrate of unknown quality. This International Standard is applicable to test substances that are either insoluble or soluble in water, although the method of application differs. The method is not applicable to volatile test substances, i.e. substances for which H (Henry's constant) or the air/water partition coefficient is greater than 1, or for which the vapour pressure exceeds 0,013 3 Pa at 25 °C. The water solubility and the vapour pressure of the test substance should be known. Additionally, information on the persistence of the test substance in soil is desirable.