ASTM D5864 is a standardized procedure established by ASTM International to assess the aerobic biodegradability of lubricants in aqueous environments. It specifically targets lubricating oils, greases, and hydraulic fluids to evaluate their degradation potential when they enter natural water ecosystems. The method employs microorganisms in oxygen-abundant conditions and quantifies the CO₂ emissions, reflecting the extent of lubricant degradation through microbial processes.
ASTM D5864 Test Method
| Test procedure | The lubricant samples are exposed to activated sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, which serves as the inoculum in this test under laboratory conditions, and the level of CO2 evolved is measured. |