Overview

This International Standard specifies a method for the evaluation of the "ready" and "ultimate" biodegradability of organic compounds by aerobic microorganisms at a given range of concentrations. In this context, this International Standard also gives specific definitions for the terms "ready" and "ultimate". The method applies to organic compounds having the following characteristics: a) soluble at the concentration used under the conditions of the test (10 mg/l to 40 mg/l DOC); b) non-volatile or having a negligible vapour pressure under the conditions of the test; c) not significantly adsorbable on glass and activated sludge; d) not inhibitory to the test microorganisms at the concentration chosen for the test. The method is not suitable for waste waters, as they usually contain significant amounts of water-insoluble organic carbon, which is not included in DOC measurements. The International Standard has been prepared by ISO/TC 147/SC 5/WG 1 "Toxicity - Bacteria and biodegradability" and has been adopted through CEN/TC 230 "Water analysis", the secretariat of which is held by DIN. The responsible German committee is NA 119-01-03-05-01 AK "Biotest" ("Biotests") in NA 119-01-03 AA "Wasseruntersuchung" ("Water examination") at NAW. The national revision of this project is funded by the Länderfinanzierungsprogramm "Wasser, Boden und Abfall" (federal funding programme "Water, soil and waste").

Document: references other documents

Document: referenced in other documents

Responsible national committee

NA 119-01-03 AA - Water quality (CEN/TC 230, ISO/TC 147)  

Responsible european committee

CEN/TC 230 - Water analysis  

Responsible international committee

ISO/TC 147/SC 5 - Biological methods