OECD Guideline for Testing of Chemicals (Test No. 301: Ready Biodegradability) 1992

This Test Guideline describes six methods that permit the screening of chemicals for ready biodegradability in an aerobic aqueous medium. These methods are:

– 301 A: DOC Die-Away Test

– 301 B: CO2 Evolution Test (Modified Sturm Test)

– 301 C: Modified MITI Test (I) (Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Japan)

– 301 D: Closed Bottle Test

– 301 E: Modified OECD Screening Test

– 301 F: Manometric Respirometry Test

Bioprocess Control’s Gas Endeavour fulfils guideline 301 C Modified MITI test for ready biodegradability in an aerobic aqueous medium, i.e. Gas Endeavour measures the oxygen uptake continuously from the stirred solution or suspension, of the test substance in a mineral medium, inoculated with specially grown, unadapted micro-organisms. The evolved carbon dioxide is absorbed by soda lime and volume of oxygen gas is directly measured by high precision gas flow cell with resolution of 2 ml. Often the test last 28 days with option to be shorter or longer. Gas Endeavour has the advantage for a wider and higher range of substrate concentration without sample dilution or with less sample dilution. This may lead not only reduction of error from sample preparation, but also simplified test procedure.

Apart from aerobic degradability assay, Gas Endeavour also supports anaerobic biodegradability assay. The switch of aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability assays can be easily arranged by selecting different accessory kit for Gas Endeavour.