Screening of chemicals for anaerobic biodegradability

Abstract A programme of work was undertaken with the aim of developing a test method for the assessment of anaerobic biodegradability. A number of methods were examined and the influence of key parameters such as concentration of test compound, inoculum concentration and pretreatment, digester design and media composition were investigated. On the basis of the obtained results a test method suitable for screening chemicals for anaerobic biodegradation is recommended. The technique is simple, requires only a knowledge of the carbon content of the chemical under test, and is applicable to poorly soluble compounds. The proposed test guideline provides data of acceptable reproducibility and it is recommended that the method now be examined in more laboratories using a wider range of chemicals.