Registration Dossier

Diss Factsheets

Environmental fate & pathways

Endpoint summary

Administrative data

Description of key information

Additional information

Several studies on the biodegradability of benzyl alcohol under aerobic and anaerobic conditions are available. All studies indicate a fast biodegradation of benzyl alcohol under the conditions of the test. Two studies on ready biodegradability (MITI 1992, Trenel 1982) are defined as key studies for the present dossier. Considering the results of the tests it is concluded that benzyl alcohol is readily biodegradable.

Pertinent data regarding the degradation of benzyl alcohol in soil were not located in the available literature. Bacteria obtained from soil and grown on phenol or toluene degraded benzyl alcohol. Since in water, benzyl alcohol is rapidly biodegraded under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, rapid biodegradation in soil is suggested (US EPA Document 1989).