Summary
The OECD 301F biodegradability test determines the ready biodegradability of a material by measuring oxygen consumption during biodegradation in close respirometers, or closed bottles with headspace. This is one of the first-tier tests and aims to screen ready biodegradability within 28 days.
The OECD 301F Testing Method
A closed bottle is partially filled with water and the sample material, leaving a small headspace in the container. As the sample degrades, both the oxygen and headspace are consumed. At the end of the test, the consumed oxygen measure is compared to the calculated theoretical oxygen demand (ThOD).
This OECD 301 test is often recommended first, as it requires no aeration, consists of a simple setup, and can test numerous substances. If 60% of degradation is reached in 28 days, it is considered readily biodegradable and no further tests will be needed. If not, higher-tier tests can be performed, including OECD 302 or 303.
The OECD 301F test is appropriate for soluble, poorly soluble, insoluble, nonvolatile, absorbing, and volatile materials. These include drugs, lubricants, greases, oils, fuels, surfactants, and personal care products.
Looking for OECD 301F? Turn to Aropha
When you are looking for accurate, streamlined biodegradability testing, turn to Aropha. Our team combines our digital twin simulation platform with lab biodegradability testing to make sure you have all the information you need to determine the ecological properties of your products. Whether you are looking to test your product’s biodegradability, compostability, or ecotoxicity, we are here to help.
Our wide range of testing capabilities gives us the ability to extensively test your products so you get the information you need throughout development. We also can provide you with the documentation and guidance you need to seek out biodegradability certification.
Contact our team today to start your testing!
OECD 301F Requirement and Applicability
Different testing methods are applicable for materials with different properties. Below is a summary of the applicability of OECD 301F. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OECD 301F (Closed respirometer test) | Oxygen consumption | ThOD or COD * | + | +/- | + |
*”Sample info required” is the information needed to calculate the biodegradation percentages. This must be available for a selected method.
*”ThOD” can be easily calculated based on the formula of the sample. Try our Online ThOD Calculator.
*”COD” can be used as an alternative to ThOD if the formula of the material is unknown. We provide COD analysis at Aropha.
Pricing
$499/sample for High-Throughput Screening$1199/sample for Biodegradability Certification