Summary
ISO 11734 is a test that specifies a method of determining the biodegradability of organic compounds under anaerobic conditions. This test is designed to yield a percentage of the conversion of carbon in the sample to carbon in the gaseous form of CO2 and CH4.
The ISO 11734 Testing Method
This test is relatively simple and can be applied to a wide range of products and substances. To set this test up, the substance is placed in a sealed vessel along with washed, digested, anaerobic sludge. As degradation occurs, the increase in headspace pressure in the test vessels resulting from the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) is measured. The amount of microbiologically produced carbon is calculated from the net gas production and the net inorganic carbon formation in excess over blank replicate values. The percentage of biodegradation is calculated from the total inorganic carbon formed and the measured, or calculated, amount of carbon added as a test compound.
This test can be used on substances that are soluble, poorly soluble, and not inhibitory to the microorganisms at the concentration chosen for the test.
Interested in ISO 11734 Testing? Aropha is Here to Help
Are you looking for streamlined, efficient biodegradability testing? Aropha is here for you. We combine our digital twin simulation platform with lab biodegradability testing to provide accurate results in a short period. From measuring ecotoxicity to compostability to biodegradability of your products, we have the capabilities needed to provide you with detailed, end-to-end testing.
In addition to testing your products, we also can provide you with the test documentation necessary for certain eco-labels and regulatory agencies.
Contact our team today to get started.
ISO 11734 Requirement and Applicability
Different testing methods are applicable for materials with different properties. Below is a summary of the applicability of ISO 11734. Please check our Method Selection Guide to select the most appropriate method for your materials. You can also find the applicability for many other methods in our Resource Center.| Test | Analytical method | Sample info required * | Poorly soluble | Volatile | Adsorbing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISO 11734 | CO2 and CH4 evolution | Organic carbon content * | + | +/- | + |
*“Sample info required” is the information needed to calculate the biodegradation percentages. This must be available for a selected method.
*“Organic carbon content” is the ratio of the organic carbon weight to the weight of the sample. It can be calculated by the sample formula (e.g., acetic acid C2H4O2, carbon content is 12*2/(12*2+1*4+16*2)=40%). Try our Online C% Calculator. If the formula is unknown, we can send the sample out to a third party lab for you for analysis (normally $110 with a 10-day turnaround time).
Pricing
Contact us for High-Throughput Screening PricingContact us for Biodegradability Certification Pricing