Biodegradability in seawater according to OECD 306
Determination of aerobic biodegradability in seawater according to OECD 306, applicable to chemicals and organic materials dissolved or dispersed in collected seawater. Two test formats are available: shake flask and closed bottle.
Seawater is sampled from the field and characterized for temperature, salinity, and optionally DOC and other parameters before use; it may be filtered, settled, or aged prior to incubation. Incubations are carried out in closed glass containers under aerobic conditions at approximately 15–20°C in the dark or under diffuse light for up to 60 days.
The shake-flask format tracks ultimate degradation by repeated DOC measurements over time, quantified by persulfate/UV, persulfate with elevated temperature, or high-temperature combustion.
The closed-bottle format monitors dissolved oxygen consumption at defined intervals (e.g. days 0, 5, 15, and 28). Ancillary options include heterotrophic plate counts, ATP or other microbial-activity assays, and specific chemical analysis of the test substance.
Results are presented as time-course degradation curves. Shake-flask outputs report DOC-based curves with lag phase, slope, and t50, with percentage degradation typically reported at 60 days. Closed-bottle outputs report oxygen-uptake curves with lag phase and t50, with percentage degradation reported at 28 days or test conclusion. Data are compiled on standardized sheets with validity checks.
The method is referenced in several regulatory persistence and biodegradability assessment frameworks. Under REACH, OECD 306 is recognised by ECHA as a ready biodegradability test method alongside OECD 301 and 310, and data generated under the guideline can be submitted in REACH registration dossiers to fulfil information requirements on environmental fate and behaviour. OECD 306 is also listed as an accepted ready-biodegradability method under the REACH microplastics restriction (Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, Appendix 15). Additionally, the EU Ecolabel for lubricants lists OECD 306 as a recommended biodegradability test method.
- Suitable sample matrices
- Polymers, chemicals
- Available quality systems
- Accredited testing laboratory
- Standard
- Method expert
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