scope:

The biodegradability of substances and waste water ingredients depends not only on the molecular structures of the test material, but also on important additional factors such as the - aquatic or terrestrial test environment;- aerobic or anaerobic test conditions;- source and concentration of the microorganisms of the inoculum;- acclimatisation and adaptation of the inoculum;- concentration of the test material;- availability of inorganic nutrients and additional organic material for co-metabolic processes;- possible toxic effects of the test material under the test conditons.;- physical and chemical properties and bioavailability of the test material (e.g. volatility, water solubility, adsorption);- conditions and physical and chemical properties of the test material (e.g. volatility, water solubility, adsorption);- conditions and physical and chemical properties of the test system (volume of test vessels, static, dynamic, closed CO² removal, temperature, mixing, shaking, oxygen supply);- test duration;- analytical parameters used (summary parameters such as DOC, BOD, CO² or substance specific analysis).