Summary
The guideline for OECD 311 testing, which is based on ISO 11734, describes a screening method for the evaluation of potential anaerobic biodegradability of organic chemicals under a specific condition (i.e. in an anaerobic digester at a given time and range of concentration of micro-organisms).
Anaerobic biodegradability is a critical factor in assessing the environmental impact of organic compounds, especially surfactants commonly used in detergents and cleaning products. In the European Union, the EU Ecolabel requires that surfactants be biodegradable under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Accepted test methods for demonstrating anaerobic biodegradability include OECD 311.
The OECD 311 Testing Method
In the OECD 311 test method, washed digested sludge, containing low concentrations of inorganic carbon, is diluted and incubated in sealed vessels with the test substance for up to 60 days. The increase in headspace pressure in the vessels wrestling from the production of carbon dioxide and methane is measured. The amount of carbon (inorganic plus methane) resulting from the biodegradation of the test substance is calculated from the net gas production and net inorganic carbon formation in the liquid phase in excess of blank control values. The extent of biodegradation is calculated from the total inorganic carbon and methane-C produced as a percentage of the measured or calculated amount of carbon added as test substance.
Get Reliable, Cost-Effective OECD 311 Testing with Aropha
Aropha offers precise and efficient OECD 311 anaerobic biodegradability testing to help you evaluate your products in conditions relevant to anaerobic digesters. Our lab uses validated methods aligned with OECD and ISO 11734 guidelines, ensuring your data is compliant and submission-ready for regulatory agencies such as the EPA and ECHA. We provide clear, actionable reports, including all necessary documentation for regulatory filings or ecolabel certifications.
Whether you’re testing industrial chemicals, polymers or complex formulations, Aropha’s unique integrated approach of combining AI-based simulation and physical lab biodegradability testing delivers results faster and with greater accuracy.
Contact our team today to start testing.
Pricing
$1300/sample for High-Throughput Screening$2400/sample for Biodegradability Certification