BIODEGRADABILITY AND THE ESTIMATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCENTRATION

In order to assess the environmental acceptability of a chemical we need to estimate both the lowest concentration at which it will cause adverse effects and the highest concentrations which are likely to be present in the environment. The biodegradability of a chemical will have a direct bearing on the estimate of environmental concentrations. In this paper some of the more commonly used biodegradability tests are classified according to the type of information they provide, and a sequential method of studying the biodegradability of chemicals is outlined. The basis on which a decision to stop or to continue the sequence of testing may be made is also indicated. With this type of procedure costly testing of chemicals could be avoided where it is not essential to the assessment of environmental acceptability. © 1979.