ISO 9408 Ultimate Biodegradability Test – Oxygen Consumption

Introduction to  ISO 9408

Organic chemicals in many industrial sectors are being used more and more, which brings some worries concerning the persistence of organic compounds in aquatic systems. It is essential to determine if microorganisms capable of degrading found organic chemicals can degrade them under environmental conditions to lessen potential long-term ecological consequences. ISO 9408 was established to develop a laboratory test of the biodegradability of organic chemicals, as a ‘ Readily biodegradable test method’. But ISO 9408 tests only under aerobic conditions, as this is common (natural water bodies and wastewater treatment systems). It helps identify a substance as readily biodegradable and is useful for regulatory and impact assessments on the environment.

ISO 9408 Test Method

ISO 9408 Results and Interpretation

The fundamental outcome from an ISO 9408 test is the amount of oxygen consumed by the microorganisms in the biodegradation process. This is regularly expressed as either the percentage of the theoretical oxygen demand (ThOD) or the amount of oxygen consumed by the amount of test compound.  The results allow the ultimate biodegradability of a substance to be determined, which relates to the conversion of the test compound to CO2 and other stable products in aerobic conditions, while accommodating for test conditions and time.

Tests Related to ISO 14855

This is similar to the OECD 301 test series. 

Use of ISO 9408 in Various Industries

 Usually used by manufacturing, chemical, and wastewater management sectors

Materials Commonly Tested with ISO 9408

 The test is suitable for materials that are highly soluble, poorly soluble, insoluble, volatile, involatile, and/or adsorbing.

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