Registration Dossier

Data platform availability banner - registered substances factsheets

Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Environmental fate & pathways

Biodegradation in water: screening tests

Currently viewing:

Administrative data

Link to relevant study record(s)

Description of key information

A rapid degradation of cumene was detected under aerobic test conditions. Cumene proved not to be degraded under methanogenic conditions.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Biodegradation in water:
readily biodegradable

Additional information

Two tests on biodegradation of cumene under aerobic and anaerobic conditions are available.

Under aerobic conditions a rapid degradation of cumene was detected following the guideline for BOD (biological oxygen demand) measurement over a period of 20 days. A degradation rate of > 60 % was determined within 10 days.

The degradation potential under methanogenic conditions was examined with an anaerobic digesting sludge. Degradation was assessed in terms of net total gas (CH4 plus CO2) produced, expressed as a percentage of the theoretical production (ThGP). Cumene proved not to be degraded. After an incubation period of 60 days at 35 °C 2 ± 2.8 % degradation was determined.

Cumene can be classified as readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions.