Quaternary ammonium compounds, bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethyl, chlorides, reaction products with polyethylenepolyamines and tall-oil fatty acids, humates hydrochlorides

Biodegradation in water: screening tests

Description of key information

Based on the extent of CO2 evolution during this study, organolignite cannot be classified as "readily biodegradable" as per the criteria in OECD Guideline 301B.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Biodegradation in water:

under test conditions no biodegradation observed

Additional information

The biodegradation potential of the test substance, organolignite, was determined by the amount of CO₂ released upon biodegradation in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 301B (OECD, 1992) (SMV, 2013). The cumulative net CO₂ evolved in the toxicity control was 36.63% on day 14, demonstrating that organolignite was not toxic to the inoculum in the test medium as defined by to OECD Guideline 301B (i.e., < 25% on day 14 is considered toxic). The cumulative net CO₂ evolved from the procedural control (sodium benzoate) was 72.50% of theoretical by day 10, thus meeting the “pass” criteria of the test (i.e., reaching 60% or greater CO₂ evolution within a 10-day window of reaching 10% biodegradation). This rapid biodegradation of sodium benzoate confirmed the presence of an active microbial population and system integrity. The mean cumulative net percent CO₂ evolved (percent biodegradation) from the aqueous test medium fortified with organolignite at 10 mg C/L was 5.27% on day 28. Based on the extent of CO₂ evolution during this study, organolignite cannot be classified as "readily biodegradable" by the criteria set forth in OECD 301B guidelines.