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Environmental fate & pathways

Biodegradation in water: screening tests

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Endpoint:
biodegradation in water: ready biodegradability
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
17th July 2014 to 22nd August 2014
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
guideline study
Justification for type of information:
A discussion and report on the read across strategy is given as an attachment in IUCLID Section 13.
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across: supporting information
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 301 F (Ready Biodegradability: Manometric Respirometry Test)
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EU Method C.4-D (Determination of the "Ready" Biodegradability - Manometric Respirometry Test)
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EPA OPPTS 835.3110 (Ready Biodegradability)
Deviations:
no
GLP compliance:
yes (incl. QA statement)
Oxygen conditions:
aerobic
Inoculum or test system:
activated sludge, domestic (adaptation not specified)
Details on inoculum:
A mixed population of sewage treatment micro-organisms was obtained on 17 July 2014 from the final effluent stage of the Severn Trent Water Plc sewage treatment plant at Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK, which treats predominantly domestic sewage.

Preparation of Inoculum
The sample of effluent was filtered through coarse filter paper (first approximate 200 mL discarded) and maintained on aeration in a temperature controlled room at 21 ± 1 ºC prior to use.
Duration of test (contact time):
28 d
Details on study design:
Experimental Preparation
Test Item
At the request of the Sponsor and following the recommendations of the International Standards Organisation (ISO, 1995) the test item was dispensed onto a filter paper* using a gas tight syringe. Using this method enables relatively small amounts of test item to be added accurately to the test vessels.

An amount of test item (66 µL, equivalent to 50 mg of test item determined by preliminary weighings) was dispensed onto filter paper* which was resting on a piece of foil and added immediately to mineral medium (495 mL) and inoculum (5 mL) to give the test concentration of 100 mg/L. Due to the volatile nature of the test item each vessel was placed immediately on the respirometer after the addition of the inoculum.

A test concentration of 100 mg/L was selected for use in the study following the recommendations of the Test Guideline.

Inoculum control vessels were prepared containing mineral medium (495 mL) and inoculum (5 mL).

A filter paper* resting on a piece of foil was added to each inoculum control vessel in order to maintain consistency between the test and inoculum control vessels.

Abiotic Test
A nominal amount of sodium azide (10.00 g) was dissolved in mineral medium and the volume adjusted to 500 mL to give a 20 g/L stock solution.

An amount of test item (66 µL, equivalent to 50 mg of test item determined by preliminary weighings) was dispensed onto a filter paper* which was resting on a piece of foil and added immediately to mineral medium (445 mL) with an aliquot (50 mL) of the 20 g/L sodium azide stock solution to give the test concentration of 100 mg test item/L and 2000 mg sodium azide/L. Due to the volatile nature of the test item each vessel was immediately placed on the respirometer after the addition of the inoculum.


Preparation of Test System
The following test preparations were prepared and inoculated in 500 mL bottles:

a) Five replicate bottles containing inoculated mineral medium to act as the inoculum control plus a filter paper*.
b) Two replicate bottles containing inoculated mineral medium plus a filter paper* and the reference item, aniline, at a concentration of 100 mg/L.
c) Five replicate bottles containing inoculated mineral medium and the test item on a filter paper* at a concentration of 100 mg/L.
d) Two replicate bottles containing inoculated mineral medium, the reference item, aniline, at a concentration of 100 mg/L and the test item on a filter paper* at a concentration of 100 mg/L to act as toxicity control vessels.
e) Four replicate bottles containing inoculated mineral medium, the test item on a filter paper* at a concentration of 100 mg/L and sodium azide at a concentration of 2000 mg/L to act as abiotic test vessels.

A filter paper was added to the inoculum control and procedure control vessels in order to maintain consistency between these vessels and the test item vessels.
Data from the inoculum control and procedure control vessels was shared with similar concurrent studies.
All vessels were inoculated with the prepared inoculum at a rate of 1% v/v.

On Day 0 the reference item and sodium azide were added (where appropriate) and the pH of all vessels measured using a Hach HQ40d Flexi handheld meter prior to the addition of test item (where appropriate). If necessary the pH values were adjusted to pH 7.4 ± 0.2 using diluted hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide solution prior to the addition of the inoculum and test item.

Two of the five inoculum control and test item vessels and two of the four abiotic test vessels were sacrificed for immediate chemical analysis. All remaining inoculum control, test item, procedure control, toxicity control and abiotic test vessels were placed in a CES Multi-Channel Aerobic Respirometer.

The system consists of a sample flask sealed by a sensor head/CO2 trap immersed in a temperature controlled water bath. The samples were stirred for the duration of the test with a magnetically coupled stirrer.

As biodegradation progresses, the micro-organisms convert oxygen to carbon dioxide which is absorbed into the ethanolamine solution (50% v/v) causing a net reduction in gas pressure within the sample flask. The pressure reduction triggers the electrolytic process, generating oxygen and restoring the pressure in the sample flask. The magnitude of the electrolyzing current and the duration of the current is proportional to the amount of oxygen supplied to the micro-organisms. The data generated from the respirometer’s own battery backed memory was collected on the hard disk drive of a non-dedicated computer.

The test was conducted in diffuse light at a temperature of approximately 24 ºC.

On Day 28 an assessment of the biological oxygen demand data was made and the most consistent vessels (two inoculum control, one procedure control, two test item, one toxicity control and two abiotic test vessels) chosen for calculating and reporting purposes. The remaining vessels were discarded and are not reported.

The remaining vessels which were not sampled were discarded and are not reported. Additional replicate vessels were prepared and incubated in order that in the event of a leak in the test system a replicate vessel could be discarded without jeopardizing the integrity of the test.

Evaluations
Physico-chemical Measurements
The temperature of the water bath was recorded daily.

pH Measurements
On Day 0 the pH of each of the test vessels was determined prior to the addition of the inoculum and, where appropriate, the addition of the test item using a Hach HQ40d Flexi handheld meter. The pH values were adjusted where necessary to pH 7.4 ± 0.2 using diluted hydrochloric acid. The required quantity of inoculum and test item, where appropriate, was then added to each vessel.
On Day 28 the pH of the inoculum control and procedure control vessels was determined. Due to the volatile and oily nature of the test item it was considered inappropriate to determine the pH of the vessels containing test item.

Total Viable Counts
In order to confirm that abiotic conditions were present in the abiotic test vessels at the end of the test, total viable counts were performed. An aliquot (100 µL) of sample was dispensed onto a Tryptone Soya Agar (TSA) plate and spread over the plate prior to incubation at approximately 25 ºC for approximately 2 days. After the incubation period, the number of colony forming units (cfu) were determined by direct counting of the colonies on each agar plate.

Compound Specific Analyses
On Day 0, two inoculum control, two test item and two abiotic test vessels were sacrificed for compound specific analysis. On Day 28 chemical analysis of the two inoculum control, test item and abiotic test vessels from which the oxygen consumption values were taken was performed.

Data Evaluation
Calculation of Theoretical Oxygen Demand
The Theoretical Oxygen Demand (ThOD) for a compound CcHhClclNnPpSsOoNana was calculated by:

ThOD (NO3)(mgO2/mg) = (16(2c + ½ (h-cl) + 5/2n +5/2p + 3s + ½ na – o) / molecular weight

Percentage Biodegradation
The percentage biodegradation in terms of oxygen consumption was calculated as follows:

% degradation = ((BOD-B) / ThOD) x 100

Where:
BOD = Biological Oxygen Demand of the test item or reference item (mgO2/L)
B = Oxygen consumption in basal mineral medium to which inoculum is added (control) (mgO2/L)
ThOD = Theoretical oxygen demand to completely oxidize the reference and/or test item (mgO2/L)
Reference substance:
aniline
Key result
Parameter:
% degradation (O2 consumption)
Value:
75
Sampling time:
28 d
Details on results:
Total Viable Counts
The total viable counts from the abiotic test vessels confirmed that abiotic conditions had been present as the number of total viable counts were very low.

Biodegradation
The test item attained 75% biodegradation after 28 days based on oxygen consumption values. The test item failed to meet the 10-Day window validation criterion, whereby 60% biodegradation must be attained within 10 days of the biodegradation exceeding 10%. However, in accordance with the Revised Introduction to the OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals, (OECD, 2006), if testing on a complex mixture is performed, and it is anticipated that a sequential biodegradation of the individual structures takes place, then the 10-Day window should not be applied to interpret the results of the test.

The toxicity control attained 62% biodegradation after 14 days and 76% biodegradation after 28 days thereby confirming that the test item was not toxic to the sewage treatment micro-organisms used in the test.

Chemical Analysis
Chemical analysis of the 100 mg/L test preparation at 0 hours showed a mean measured concentration of 110% of nominal was obtained. A decline in measured test concentration was observed on Day 28 to approximately 4% of nominal (96% loss over the test duration).

The losses observed by chemical analysis were higher than those observed by oxygen consumption. This was considered to be due to a combination of volatility of the test item and incorporation of the test item, or degradation products of the test item, into the microbial biomass. In such cases the micro-organisms present utilize carbon originating from the test item to increase their biomass by incorporation the carbon into new cells. This effectively removes the test item from the aqueous phase and hence reduces the apparent biodegradation of the test item as measured by oxygen consumption.

Chemical analysis of the abiotic test vessels on Day 0 showed a mean measured concentration of 110% of nominal was obtained. Analysis on Day 28 showed a mean measured concentration of 15% of nominal was obtained. Given the low total viable counts from the abiotic test vessels on Day 28 and the low biological oxygen consumption values from these vessels it was considered that this 86% loss of test item measured by chemical analysis on Day 28 occurred during sampling and analysis given the volatile nature of the test item.
Results with reference substance:
Aniline (procedure control) attained 69% biodegradation after 14 days and 75% biodegradation after 28 days thereby confirming the suitability of the inoculum and test conditions.

Validation Criteria

The mean BOD of the inoculated mineral medium (control) was 24.36 mg O2/L after 28 days and therefore satisfied the validation criterion given in the OECD Test Guidelines.

The difference between extremes of replicate BOD values at the end of the test was less than 20% and therefore satisfied the validation criterion given in the OECD Test Guidelines.

Theoretical Oxygen Demand Values

Calculation of Theoretical Oxygen Demand (ThOD) for the test and reference items.

Information supplied by the Sponsor indicated that the ThOD value for the test item was 3.40 mg O2/mg.

Therefore for a test concentration of 100 mg/L, the ThOD will be 340 mg O2/L.

Reference Item (Procedure Control): Aniline C6H5NH2    

mol wt = 93.13

ThOD (NO3) = (16[12 + 3.5 + 2.5]) / 93.13 = 3.09 mg O2/mg

Therefore, for a test concentration of 100 mg/L, the ThOD will be 309 mg O2/L.

Validity criteria fulfilled:
yes
Interpretation of results:
readily biodegradable
Conclusions:
In an OECD 301F manometric respirometry test conducted in compliance with GLP, Hydrocarbons, C14-C16, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, <2% aromatics attained 75% degradation in 28 days. The 10-day window criterion is not applicable for complex substances where sequential degradation of the constituents takes place (OECD, 2006). The substance was therefore concluded to be readily biodegradable.
Executive summary:

Introduction

The study was performed to assess the ready biodegradability of the test item in an aerobic aqueous media. The method followed was designed to be compatible with the OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals (1992) No. 301F, “Ready Biodegradability; Manometric Respirometry Test” referenced as method C.4-D of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 440/2008 and US EPA Fate, Transport, and Transformation Test Guidelines OCSPP 835.3110 (Paragraph (q)).

 

Methods…….

The test item at a concentration of 100 mg/L was exposed to sewage treatment micro-organisms with mineral medium in sealed culture vessels in diffuse light at a temperature of approximately 24 ºC for 28 days. 

 

At the request of the Sponsor and following the recommendations of the International Standards Organisation (ISO, 1995), the test item was adsorbed onto a filter paper prior to subsequent dispersal in test media. 

 

The biodegradation of the test item was assessed by the measurement of daily oxygen consumption values on Days 0 to 28 and by compound specific analysis on Days 0 and 28. Control solutions with inoculum and the reference item, aniline, together with a toxicity control were used for validation purposes.

 

Results….

The test item attained 75% biodegradation after 28 days and therefore can be considered to be readily biodegradable.

 

Chemical analysis of the 100 mg/L test preparation at 0 hours showed a mean measured concentration of 110% of nominal was obtained. A decline in measured test concentration was observed on Day 28 to approximately 4% of nominal (96% loss over the test duration). 

 

The losses observed by chemical analysis were higher than those observed by oxygen consumption. This was considered to be due to a combination of volatility of the test item and incorporation of the test item, or degradation products of the test item, into the microbial biomass. In such cases the micro-organisms present utilize carbon originating from the test item to increase their biomass by incorporation the carbon into new cells. This effectively removes the test item from the aqueous phase and hence reduces the apparent biodegradation of the test item as measured by oxygen consumption.

 

Chemical analysis of the abiotic test vessels on Day 0 showed a mean measured concentration of 110% of nominal was obtained. Analysis on Day 28 showed a mean measured concentration of 15% of nominal was obtained. Given the low total viable counts from the abiotic test vessels on Day 28 and the low biological oxygen consumption values from these vessels it was considered that this 86% loss of test item measured by chemical analysis on Day 28 occurred during sampling and analysis given the volatile nature of the test item.  

Endpoint:
biodegradation in water: ready biodegradability
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
17th July 2014 to 22nd August 2014
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
guideline study
Justification for type of information:
A discussion and report on the read across strategy is given as an attachment in IUCLID Section 13.
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across: supporting information
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 301 F (Ready Biodegradability: Manometric Respirometry Test)
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EU Method C.4-D (Determination of the "Ready" Biodegradability - Manometric Respirometry Test)
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EPA OPPTS 835.3110 (Ready Biodegradability)
Deviations:
no
GLP compliance:
yes (incl. QA statement)
Oxygen conditions:
aerobic
Inoculum or test system:
activated sludge, domestic (adaptation not specified)
Details on inoculum:
A mixed population of sewage treatment micro-organisms was obtained on 17 July 2014 from the final effluent stage of the Severn Trent Water Plc sewage treatment plant at Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK, which treats predominantly domestic sewage.

Preparation of Inoculum
The sample of effluent was filtered through coarse filter paper (first approximate 200 mL discarded) and maintained on aeration in a temperature controlled room at 21 ± 1 ºC prior to use.
Duration of test (contact time):
28 d
Details on study design:
Experimental Preparation
Test Item
At the request of the Sponsor and following the recommendations of the International Standards Organisation (ISO, 1995) the test item was dispensed onto a filter paper* using a gas tight syringe. Using this method enables relatively small amounts of test item to be added accurately to the test vessels.

An amount of test item (66 µL, equivalent to 50 mg of test item determined by preliminary weighings) was dispensed onto filter paper* which was resting on a piece of foil and added immediately to mineral medium (495 mL) and inoculum (5 mL) to give the test concentration of 100 mg/L. Due to the volatile nature of the test item each vessel was placed immediately on the respirometer after the addition of the inoculum.

A test concentration of 100 mg/L was selected for use in the study following the recommendations of the Test Guideline.
Inoculum control vessels were prepared containing mineral medium (495 mL) and inoculum (5 mL).

A filter paper* resting on a piece of foil was added to each inoculum control vessel in order to maintain consistency between the test and inoculum control vessels.

Abiotic Test
A nominal amount of sodium azide (10.00 g) was dissolved in mineral medium and the volume adjusted to 500 mL to give a 20 g/L stock solution.

An amount of test item (66 µL, equivalent to 50 mg of test item determined by preliminary weighings) was dispensed onto a filter paper* which was resting on a piece of foil and added immediately mineral medium (445 mL) with an aliquot (50 mL) of the 20 g/L sodium azide stock solution to give the test concentration of 100 mg test item/L and 2000 mg sodium azide/L. Due to the volatile nature of the test item each vessel was immediately placed on the respirometer after the addition of the inoculum.


Preparation of Test System
The following test preparations were prepared and inoculated in 500 mL bottles:

a) Five replicate bottles containing inoculated mineral medium to act as the inoculum control plus a filter paper*.
b) Two replicate bottles containing inoculated mineral medium plus a filter paper* and the reference item, aniline, at a concentration of 100 mg/L.
c) Five replicate bottles containing inoculated mineral medium and the test item on a filter paper* at a concentration of 100 mg/L.
d) Two replicate bottles containing inoculated mineral medium, the reference item, aniline, at a concentration of 100 mg/L and the test item on a filter paper* at a concentration of 100 mg/L to act as toxicity control vessels.
e) Four replicate bottles containing inoculated mineral medium, the test item on a filter paper* at a concentration of 100 mg/L and sodium azide at a concentration of 2000 mg/L to act as abiotic test vessels.

A filter paper was added to the inoculum control and procedure control vessels in order to maintain consistency between these vessels and the test item vessels.

Data from the inoculum control and procedure control vessels was shared with similar concurrent studies.

All vessels were inoculated with the prepared inoculum at a rate of 1% v/v.

On Day 0 the reference item and sodium azide was added (where appropriate) and the pH of all vessels measured using a Hach HQ40d Flexi handheld meter prior to the addition of test item (where appropriate). If necessary the pH values were adjusted to pH 7.4 ± 0.2 using diluted hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide solution prior to the addition of the inoculum and test item.

Two of the five inoculum control and test item vessels and two of the four abiotic test vessels were sacrificed for immediate chemical analysis. All remaining inoculum control, test item, procedure control, toxicity control and abiotic test vessels were placed in a CES Multi-Channel Aerobic Respirometer.

The system consists of a sample flask sealed by a sensor head/CO2 trap immersed in a temperature controlled water bath. The samples were stirred for the duration of the test with a magnetically coupled stirrer.

As biodegradation progresses, the micro-organisms convert oxygen to carbon dioxide which is absorbed into the ethanolamine solution (50% v/v) causing a net reduction in gas pressure within the sample flask. The pressure reduction triggers the electrolytic process, generating oxygen and restoring the pressure in the sample flask. The magnitude of the electrolyzing current and the duration of the current is proportional to the amount of oxygen supplied to the micro-organisms. The data generated from the respirometer’s own battery backed memory was collected on the hard disk drive of a non-dedicated computer.

The test was conducted in diffuse light at temperatures of approximately 24 ºC.

On Day 28 an assessment of the biological oxygen demand data was made and the most consistent vessels (two inoculum control, one procedure control, two test item, one toxicity control and two abiotic test vessels) chosen for calculating and reporting purposes. The remaining vessels were discarded and are not reported.

The remaining vessels which were not sampled were discarded and are not reported. Additional replicate vessels were prepared and incubated in order that in the event of a leak in the test system a replicate vessel could be discarded without jeopardizing the integrity of the test.

Evaluations
Physico-chemical Measurements
The temperature of the water bath was recorded daily.


pH Measurements
On Day 0 the pH of each of the test vessels was determined prior to the addition of the inoculum and, where appropriate, the addition of the test item using a Hach HQ40d Flexi handheld meter. The pH values were adjusted where necessary to pH 7.4 ± 0.2 using diluted hydrochloric acid. The required quantity of inoculum and test item, where appropriate, was then added to each vessel.

On Day 28 the pH of the inoculum control and procedure control vessels was determined. Due to the volatile and oily nature of the test item it was considered inappropriate to determine the pH of the vessels containing test item.


Total Viable Counts
In order to confirm that abiotic conditions were present in the abiotic test vessels at the end of the test, total viable counts were performed. An aliquot (100 µL) of sample was dispensed onto a Tryptone Soya Agar (TSA) plate and spread over the plate prior to incubation at approximately 25 ºC for approximately 2 days. After the incubation period, the number of colony forming units (cfu) were determined by direct counting of the colonies on each agar plate.


Compound Specific Analyses
On Day 0, two inoculum control, two test item and two abiotic test vessels were sacrificed for compound specific analysis. On Day 28 chemical analysis of the two inoculum control, test item and abiotic test vessels from which the oxygen consumption values were taken was

Data Evaluation
Calculation of Theoretical Oxygen Demand
The Theoretical Oxygen Demand (ThOD) for a compound CcHhClclNnPpSsOoNana was calculated by:

ThOD (NO3)(mgO2/mg) = (16(2c + ½ (h-cl) + 5/2n +5/2p + 3s + ½ na – o) / molecular weight

Percentage Biodegradation
The percentage biodegradation in terms of oxygen consumption was calculated as follows:

% degradation = ((BOD-B) / ThOD) x 100

Where:
BOD = Biological Oxygen Demand of the test item or reference item (mgO2/L)
B = Oxygen consumption in basal mineral medium to which inoculum is added (control) (mgO2/L)
ThOD = Theoretical oxygen demand to completely oxidize the reference and/or test item (mgO2/L)
Reference substance:
aniline
Key result
Parameter:
% degradation (O2 consumption)
Value:
73
Sampling time:
28 d
Details on results:
Total Viable Counts
The total viable counts from the abiotic test vessels confirmed that abiotic conditions had been present as the number of total viable counts were very low.

Biodegradation
The test item attained 73% biodegradation after 28 days based on oxygen consumption values. The test item failed to meet the 10-Day window validation criterion, whereby 60% biodegradation must be attained within 10 days of the biodegradation exceeding 10%. However, in accordance with the Revised Introduction to the OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals (OECD, 2006), if testing on a complex mixture is performed, and it is anticipated that a sequential biodegradation of the individual structures takes place, then the 10-Day window should not be applied to interpret the results of the test.

The toxicity control attained 62% biodegradation after 14 days and 70% biodegradation after 28 days thereby confirming that the test item was not toxic to the sewage treatment micro-organisms used in the test.

Chemical Analysis
Chemical analysis of the 100 mg/L test preparation at 0 hours showed a mean measured concentration of 102% of nominal was obtained. A decline in the mean measured test concentration was observed on Day 28 to 7% of nominal (93% loss over the test duration assuming 100% recovery on Day 0).

The losses observed by chemical analysis were higher than those observed by oxygen consumption. This was considered to be due to a combination of volatility of the test item and incorporation of the test item, or degradation products of the test item, into the microbial biomass. In such cases the micro-organisms present utilize carbon originating from the test item to increase their biomass by incorporation the carbon into new cells. This effectively removes the test item from the aqueous phase and hence reduces the apparent biodegradation of the test item as measured by oxygen consumption.

Chemical analysis of the abiotic test vessels on Day 0 showed a mean measured concentration of 108% of nominal was obtained. Analysis on Day 28 showed a mean measured concentration of 70% of nominal was obtained. Given the low total viable counts from the abiotic test vessels on Day 28 and the low biological oxygen consumption values from these vessels it was considered that this 35% loss of test item measured by chemical analysis on Day 28 occurred during sampling and analysis given the volatile nature of the test item.
Results with reference substance:
Aniline (procedure control) attained 69% biodegradation after 14 days and 75% biodegradation after 28 days thereby confirming the suitability of the inoculum and test conditions.

Validation Criteria

The mean BOD of the inoculated mineral medium (control) was 24.36 mg O2/L after 28 days and therefore satisfied the validation criterion given in the OECD Test Guidelines.

The difference between extremes of replicate BOD values at the end of the test was less than 20% and therefore satisfied the validation criterion given in the OECD Test Guidelines.

Theoretical Oxygen Demand Values

Calculation of Theoretical Oxygen Demand (ThOD) for the test and reference items.

Information supplied by the Sponsor indicated that the ThOD value for the test item was
3.40 mg O2/mg.

Therefore for a test concentration of 100 mg/L, the ThOD will be 340 mg O2/L.

 

Reference Item (Procedure Control): Aniline C6H5NH2       mol wt = 93.13

 

ThOD (NO3) = ((16[12 + 3.5 + 2.5]) / 93.13) = 3.09 mg O2/mg

Therefore, for a test concentration of 100 mg/L, the ThOD will be 309 mg O2/L.

Validity criteria fulfilled:
yes
Interpretation of results:
readily biodegradable
Conclusions:
In an OECD 301F manometric respirometry test conducted in compliance with GLP, Hydrocarbons, C15-C19, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, <2% aromatics attained 73% degradation in 28 days. The 10-day window criterion is not applicable for complex substances where sequential degradation of the constituents takes place (OECD, 2006). The substance was therefore concluded to be readily biodegradable.
Executive summary:

Introduction

The study was performed to assess the ready biodegradability of the test item in an aerobic aqueous media. The method followed was designed to be compatible with the OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals (1992) No. 301F, “Ready Biodegradability; Manometric Respirometry Test” referenced as method C.4-D of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 440/2008 and US EPA Fate, Transport, and Transformation Test Guidelines OCSPP 835.3110 (Paragraph (q)).

 

Methods…….

The test item at a concentration of 100 mg/L was exposed to sewage treatment micro-organisms with mineral medium in sealed culture vessels in diffuse light at temperatures of approximately
24 ºC for 28 days. 

 

At the request of the Sponsor and following the recommendations of the International Standards Organisation (ISO, 1995), the test item was adsorbed onto a filter paper prior to subsequent dispersal in test media Using this method enables relatively small amounts of test item to be added accurately to the test vessels.

 

The biodegradation of the test item was assessed by the measurement of daily oxygen consumption values on Days 0 to 28 and by compound specific analysis on Days 0 and 28. Control solutions with inoculum and the reference item, aniline, together with a toxicity control were used for validation purposes.

 

Results…….

The test item attained 73% biodegradation after 28 days and therefore can be considered to be readily biodegradable.

Chemical analysis of the 100 mg/L test preparation at 0 hours showed a mean measured concentration of 102% of nominal was obtained. A decline in measured test concentration was observed on Day 28 to approximately 7% of nominal (93% loss over the test duration). 

 

The losses observed by chemical analysis were higher than those observed by oxygen consumption. This was considered to be due to a combination of volatility of the test item and incorporation of the test item, or degradation products of the test item, into the microbial biomass. In such cases the micro-organisms present utilize carbon originating from the test item to increase their biomass by incorporation the carbon into new cells. This effectively removes the test item from the aqueous phase and hence reduces the apparent biodegradation of the test item as measured by oxygen consumption.

 

Chemical analysis of the abiotic test vessels on Day 0 showed a mean measured concentration of 108% of nominal was obtained. Analysis on Day 28 showed a mean measured concentration of 70% of nominal was obtained. Given the low total viable counts from the abiotic test vessels on Day 28 and the low biological oxygen consumption values from these vessels it was considered that this 35% loss of test item measured by chemical analysis on Day 28 occurred during sampling and analysis given the volatile nature of the test item.  

Endpoint:
biodegradation in water: ready biodegradability
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
20th October 2008 to 24th November 2008
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: Well documented guideline study
Justification for type of information:
A discussion and report on the read across strategy is given as an attachment in IUCLID Section 13.
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across: supporting information
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
other: OECD 306: Biodegradability in seawater; closed bottle test.
Deviations:
yes
Remarks:
Ammonium chloride was omitted from the medium to prevent oxygen consumption due to nitrification, and the oxygen consumption was measured at day 0, 7, 14 and 28 instead of day 5, 15 and 28.
GLP compliance:
yes (incl. QA statement)
Specific details on test material used for the study:
Details on properties of test surrogate or analogue material:
No test surrogate or analogue material
Oxygen conditions:
aerobic
Inoculum or test system:
natural water
Details on inoculum:
Seawater was collected from coastal water near the Oosterscheldedam (Banjaard, The Netherlands) at high tide (20-10-2008). The seawater was sampled approximately 10 cm below the water surface. The temperature of the water was 14.3°C. The seawater was aged to reduce the concentration of biodegradable compounds present in the seawater. To this end, the seawater was aerated for 7 days at room temperature in diffused light.
Duration of test (contact time):
28 d
Initial conc.:
1 mg/L
Based on:
test mat.
Parameter followed for biodegradation estimation:
O2 consumption
Details on study design:
TEST CONDITIONS
- Composition of medium: Natural sea water + added nutrients:
KH2PO4 8.5 mg/L
K2HPO4 21.75 mg/L
Na2PO4 . 2H20 33.3 mg/L
MgSO4.7H20 22.5 mg/L
CaCl2 27.5 mg/L
FeCl3.6H2O 0.25 mg/L
Ammonium was omitted from the medium to prevent nitrification.
- Solubilising agent (type and concentration if used): silicone oil AR 20 (1 mL/L test medium)
- Test temperature: 18 +/- 2°C
- pH: 7.6
- pH adjusted: no
- Continuous darkness: yes

TEST SYSTEM
- Culturing apparatus: 0.30 L BOD bottles with glass stoppers
- Number of culture flasks/concentration:
10 bottles containing seawater and silicone oil
10 bottles containig the test substance (1.0 mg/L) in silicone oil and seawater
10 bottles containing sodium acetate (6.7 mg/L) and seawater
10 bottles containing only seawater
- Measuring equipment: see above §"details on analytical methods"
- Test performed in closed vessels due to significant volatility of test substance: yes

SAMPLING
- Sampling frequency: every week (7, 14, 21 and 28 days)
- Sampling method: two duplicate bottles of all series were withdrawn for analyses of the dissolved oxygen concentration at each sampling time
Reference substance:
acetic acid, sodium salt
Remarks:
6.7 mg/L
Preliminary study:
No preliminary study
Test performance:
The validity of the test is demonstrated by an endogenous respiration of 1.0 mg/L at day 28. The blank respiration therefore does not exceed 30% of the oxygen in the test bottles. Sodium acetate was degraded 85% of its ThOD after 28 days. The validity of the test is also shown by oxygen concentrations >0.5 mg/L in all bottles during the test period.
Key result
Parameter:
% degradation (O2 consumption)
Value:
74
Sampling time:
28 d
Details on results:
DEV 2008-016 is degraded 74% at 28 days.
Results with reference substance:
Biodegradation of the reference substance was 85% at day 28

Table 1. Dissolved oxygen concentrations (mg/L) in the closed bottles.

 

Time (days)

Oxygen concentration (mg/L)

Oco

Ot

Oc

Oa

0

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

Mean (M)

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7

6.9

5.2

6.8

2.7

6.7

4.8

6.9

2.6

Mean (M)

6.8

5.0

6.9

2.7

14

6.5

4.2

6.5

2.0

6.4

4.3

6.4

2.0

Mean (M)

6.5

4.3

6.5

2.0

21

6.1

3.9

6.0

1.5

6.1

3.8

6.1

1.4

Mean (M)

6.1

3.9

6.1

1.5

28

6.0

3.5

6.1

1.5

6.1

3.5

6.1

1.4

Mean (M)

6.1

3.5

6.1

1.5

Oco =    Seawater (inoculum) with mineral nutrient solution, with 0.3 mL of silicone oil but without test material.

Ot  =   Seawater (inoculum) with mineral nutrient solution with test material in silicone oil (1.0 mg/L).

Oc  =   Seawater (inoculum) with mineral nutrient solution but without test material and reference substance.

Oa =   Seawater (inoculum) with mineral nutrient solution with sodium acetate (6.7 mg/L).

 

 

Table 2. Oxygen consumption (mg/L) and the percentages biodegradation (BOD/ThOD) of DEV 2008-016 and sodium acetate in the closed bottle test inoculated with seawater.

 

Time (days)

Oxygen consumption (mg/L)

Biodegradation (%)

Test

Acetate

Test

Acetate

0

0.0

0.0

0

0

7

1.8

4.2

51

78

14

2.2

4.5

63

83

21

2.2

4.6

63

85

28

2.6

4.6

74

85

Validity criteria fulfilled:
yes
Interpretation of results:
readily biodegradable
Conclusions:
DEV 2008-016 is degraded 74% at 28 days. It is therefore considered readily biodegradable.
Executive summary:

In order to assess the biotic degradation in seawater, a biodegradability test according to OECD TG 306 was performed. The biodegradability was determined in the Closed Bottle test performed according to slightly modified OECD Test Guidelines, and in compliance with the OECD principles of Good Laboratory Practice.

DEV 2008-016 did not cause a reduction in the endogenous respiration. The test substance is therefore considered to be non-inhibitory to the inoculum. DEV 2008-016 was biodegraded 74% at day 28 in the Closed Bottle test. Hence this substance should be classified as readily biodegradable.

The test is valid as shown by an endogenous respiration of 1.0 mg/L and by the total mineralisation of the reference compound, sodium acetate. Sodium acetate was degraded 85% of its theoretical oxygen demand after 28 days. Finally, the most important criterion was met by oxygen concentrations >0.5 mg/L in all bottles during the test period.

Endpoint:
biodegradation in water: ready biodegradability
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
September to October 1997
Reliability:
2 (reliable with restrictions)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: The study was conducted according to a standard guideline without deviations from the protocol, but it was not conducted under GLP guidelines.
Justification for type of information:
A discussion and report on the read across strategy is given as an attachment in IUCLID Section 13.
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across: supporting information
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 301 F (Ready Biodegradability: Manometric Respirometry Test)
Deviations:
no
Principles of method if other than guideline:
The test included two consecutive 41-day phases that followed the OECD Guideline 301 F (Ready Biodegradability Test). The first phase of the test was conducted using a non acclimated, domestic, sewage sludge inoculum, but extending the duration to 41 days. The second phase of the test was conducted using the day-41 acclimated inoculum from the first phase of the test, with a duration of another 41 days.
GLP compliance:
no
Oxygen conditions:
aerobic
Inoculum or test system:
activated sludge, domestic, non-adapted
Details on inoculum:
The non acclimated activated sludge inoculum used in this study was obtained from a domestic wastewater treatment plant, in New Jersey, USA.
Duration of test (contact time):
37 d
Initial conc.:
58 mg/L
Based on:
test mat.
Parameter followed for biodegradation estimation:
O2 consumption
Details on study design:
Triplicate test systems were used to evaluate the biodegradability of the test substance at a concentration of 58 mg/L. Duplicate test systems were used to evaluate the positive control substance at approximate concentrations of 51 mg/L. Blank test systems, which did not contain the test or positive control substance, were run concurrently.
Reference substance:
benzoic acid, sodium salt
Preliminary study:
A preliminary study was not conducted.
Parameter:
% degradation (O2 consumption)
Value:
1
St. dev.:
0.08
Sampling time:
8 d
Parameter:
% degradation (O2 consumption)
Value:
9.4
St. dev.:
0.19
Sampling time:
19 d
Parameter:
% degradation (O2 consumption)
Value:
10.6
St. dev.:
0.11
Sampling time:
20 d
Key result
Parameter:
% degradation (O2 consumption)
Value:
17.7
St. dev.:
0.52
Sampling time:
28 d
Key result
Parameter:
% degradation (O2 consumption)
Value:
24.5
St. dev.:
1.23
Sampling time:
37 d
Details on results:
The test material was not readily biodegradable. The test material reached approximately 10% biodegradation on day 20. A half-life was not determined. By Day 37, test termination, the average percent biodegradation of the triplicate test systems was 25%.

Biodegradation was based on oxygen consumption and the theoretical oxygen demand of the test substance was calculated using results of an elemental analysis of the test substance.

Interval results for the test substance are as follows:

Day % Biodegradation
(mean of triplicate systems)

8 1.0
19 9.4
20 10.6
28 17.7
31 20.1
37 24.5

Results with reference substance:
The reference substance biodegraded to an extent of 94% after 28 days. By Day 4, >60% biodegradation of the positive control was observed, which meets the guideline requirement.
Validity criteria fulfilled:
yes
Interpretation of results:
inherently biodegradable
Conclusions:
The test substance biodegraded to an extent of 18% after 28 days and 25% after 37 days.
Executive summary:

The test substance biodegraded to an extent of 18% after 28 days and 25% after 28 days in a test of ready biodegrdability. These results suggest that the test substance can be characterized as inherently biodegradable.

Endpoint:
biodegradation in water: ready biodegradability
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
1994
Reliability:
2 (reliable with restrictions)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: Information on substance provided by MSDS (provided by the manufacturer when asked). However, the information on the inoculum remains insufficient.
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 301 F (Ready Biodegradability: Manometric Respirometry Test)
Deviations:
no
Principles of method if other than guideline:
Guideline study
GLP compliance:
yes
Remarks:
Accredited by the Italian Ministry of Health
Specific details on test material used for the study:
Details on properties of test surrogate or analogue material (migrated information):
no data
Oxygen conditions:
aerobic
Inoculum or test system:
not specified
Details on inoculum:
no data
Duration of test (contact time):
> 28 d
Initial conc.:
>= 44.6 - <= 46.4 mg/L
Based on:
test mat.
Parameter followed for biodegradation estimation:
O2 consumption
Details on study design:
TEST CONDITIONS
- Additional substrate: none
- Solubilising agent (type and concentration if used): none
- Test temperature: 20-25°C
- Aeration of dilution water: No

TEST SYSTEM
- Number of culture flasks/concentration: 2
- Measuring equipment: Manometric respirometer.
- Test performed in closed vessels due to significant volatility of test substance: Yes
- Details of trap for CO2 and volatile organics if used: soda lime

SAMPLING
- Sampling frequency: every 2 to 3 days

CONTROL AND BLANK SYSTEM
- Inoculum blank: Yes
- Abiotic sterile control: No
- Toxicity control: No
- Other: Reference test using sodium benzoate

STATISTICAL METHODS:
Graphical
Reference substance:
benzoic acid, sodium salt
Preliminary study:
None
Key result
Parameter:
% degradation (O2 consumption)
Value:
ca. 82
Sampling time:
24 d
Parameter:
% degradation (O2 consumption)
Value:
> 81 - < 83
Sampling time:
24 d
Details on results:
% biodeg Test 1 = 58.3% on day 10; 81.4% on day 24
% biodeg Test 2 = 60.6% on day 10; 81.6% on day 24
Lag period 2 d
Results with reference substance:
87% in 14 d; 91% in 24 d

Date

Day

Test 1

(vol)

Test 2

(vol)

b1 (vol)

b2

(vol)

Ref.

(vol)

Bar.

(vol)

Test 1

Bar.

Test 2

Bar.

b1‑

Bar.

b2 -

Bar.

ref -

Bar.

Room

temp. (C)

P atm.

mmHg

al

(mg 02)

a2

(mg 02)

b1

(mg 02)

b2

(mg 02)

r

(mg 02)

13.07.94

0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0,0

0.0

0.0

0.0

24.2

752.6

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

14.07.94

1

2.0

2.0

0.0

0.0

11.0

-3.0

5.0

5.0

3.0

3.0

14.0

21.0

760.8

6.39

6.39

3.83

3.83

17.90

16.07.94

3

21.5

20.5

4.0

5.0

20.5

-1.0

22.5

21.5

5.0

6.0

21.5

20.0

752.0

28.95

28.95

6.43

7.72

27.66

19.07.94

5

28.5

28.5

1.0

1.0

21.5

-7.0

35.5

35.5

8.0

8.0

28.5

24.0

748.3

44.54

44.54

10.04

10.04

35.76

21.07.94

8

35.5

36.5

1.0

1.0

22.5

-8.0

43.5

44.5

9.0

9.0

30.5

22.0

747.8

55.10

56.37

11.40

11.40

38.63

23.07.94

10

42.5

32.5

4.0

5.0

26.5

-4.5

47.0

47.0

8.5

9.5

31.0

24.0

755.4

59.54

59.54

10.77

12.04

39.27

26.07.94

13

45.5

46.5

2.0

2.0

25.5

-8.0

54.5

54.5

10.0

10.0

33,5

23.0

747.5

67.40

68.66

12.60

12.60

42.20

28.07.94

15

54.5

55.5

9.0

11.0

32.5

0.0

55.5

55.5

9.0

11.0

32.5

22.0

752.4

69.47

70.75

11.47

14.02

41.43

30.07,94

17

56.0

57.0

9.0

10.0

33.0

0.0

56.0

57.0

9.0

10.0

33.0

25.0

752.3

70.28

75.53

11.29

12.55

41.41

02.08.94

20

61.5

60.5

11.0

11.0

34.5

1.0

60.5

59.5

10.0

10.0

33.5

25.0

753.3

76.03

74.77

12.57

12.57

42.10

06.08.94

14

59.0

57.0

5.0

6.0

30.0

-5.0

64.0

62.0

10.0

11.0

35.0

24.0

749.7

80.45

77.94

12.57

13.83

44.00

16.08.94

34

66.5

64.5

11.0

12.0

35.5

1.5

65.0

63.0

13

10.5

34.0

24.0

753.5

82.14

79.61

12.00

13.27

42.96

20.06.94

38

67.0

65.0

13.0

13.0

37.0

3.0

64.0

62.0

10.0

10.0

34.0

24.0

754.3

80.96

78.43

12.65

12.65

43.01

Validity criteria fulfilled:
yes
Interpretation of results:
readily biodegradable
Conclusions:
The test substance was readily biodegradable under the conditions of the study (ca. 82% at day 24) and met the 10-d window. Validity criteria as set out in the OECD Guidelines were met but many critical details were missing, such as the conditions of the study notably the source and treatment of the inoculum.
Executive summary:

This study was conducted according to the ISO Guideline N. 9408 and OECD Guidelines N.301 F for testing chemicals and under GLP. Biodegradability was assessed by means of manometric respirometry. A measured volume of inoculated medium containing a known amount of test substance is stirred in a closed flask. The consumption of oxygen was determined from the reduction in volume of the air contained in the apparatus. Evolved CO2 was adsorbed in soda lime. The amount of oxygen taken up by the substance (corrected for blank) was expressed as a percentage of the theoretical oxygen demand calculated from the formula of the compound. A reference substance was run in parallel for checking the inoculum. The test substance was readily biodegradable under the conditions of the study (ca. 82% at day 24) and met the 10-d window. Validity criteria as set out in the OECD Guidelines were met but many critical details were missing, such as the conditions of the study notably the source and treatment of the inoculum.

Description of key information

There is no data available for this substance. However, key data is available for structural analogues, Hydrocarbons, C12-C16, isoalkanes, cyclics, <2% aromatics; Hydrocarbons, C14-C16, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, <2% aromatics; Hydrocarbons, C14-C18, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, cyclics, <2% aromatics; and Hydrocarbons, C15-C19, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, <2% aromatics and presented in the dossier. The data is read across to this substance based on analogue read across and a discussion and report on the read across strategy is provided as an attachment in IUCLID Section 13.

Hydrocarbons, C14-C16, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, <2% aromatics attained 75% degradation in 28 days. The substance was therefore concluded to be readily biodegradable.

Hydrocarbons, C15-C19, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, <2% aromatics attained 73% degradation in 28 days. The substance was therefore concluded to be readily biodegradable.

Hydrocarbons, C14-C18, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, cyclics, ≤2% aromatics was biodegraded 74% at day 28 in a Closed Bottle test. Hence this substance should be classified as readily biodegradable.

Hydrocarbons, C12-C16, isoalkanes, cyclics, <2% aromatics biodegraded to an extent of 18% after 28 days and 25% after 28 days in a test of ready biodegradability. These results suggest that Hydrocarbons, C12-C16, isoalkanes, cyclics, <2% aromaticscan be characterized as inherently biodegradable.

 

Hydrocarbons, C14-C16, n-alkanes, <2% aromatics was found to be readily biodegradable under the conditions of an OECD 301 study meeting the 10-d window.

 

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Biodegradation in water:
readily biodegradable

Additional information