Definition
Biodegradability is an important intrinsic property of organic chemical substances that determines if the degradation or transformation of these compounds could be biologically mediated by microorganisms.
The term biodegradation is defined as the transformation of an organic molecule by microorganisms to another organic chemical (primary biodegradation) or the decomposition of organic molecules by microorganisms to carbon dioxide, water, and salts (ultimate biodegradation).
Biodegradable substances may be transformed or mineralized, by microorganisms, in sewers, in sewage treatment plants, or in the environment. In contrast, nonbiodegradable compounds will persist in the environment (Hales et al. 1997). Persistence of organic chemicals in the environment increases the exposure and, thus, the risk of long-term adverse effects on biota. Therefore, information on the biodegradability of organic chemicals can be useful in ecotoxicology.
Biodegradability is normally based on data...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
Hales SG, Feijtel T, King HI et al (eds) (1997) Biodegradation kinetics: generation and use of data for regulatory decision making. SETAC Europe, Brussels
Kaiser KLE (1998) Review of biodegradability tests for the purpose of developing regulations. Water Qual Res J Canada 33:185–211
LeBlank PJ (1974) Review of rapid BOD test methods. J Water Pollut Control Fed 46:2202–2208
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (1993) Structure-activity relationships for biodegradation, Environment monograph N°68. OECD, Paris
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (2003) Introduction to the OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals Section 3. Part 1: Principles and strategies related to the testing of degradation of organic chemicals. OECD, Paris
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (2005) OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals. Part 1: Principles and strategies related to the testing of degradation of organic chemicals. OECD, Paris
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (2008) Chapter R.7b: Endpoint specific guidance. In: Guidance for the implementation of REACH. Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment. OECD, Paris
Shimp RJ, Larson RJ, Boethling RS (1990) Use of biodegradation data in chemical assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 9:1369–1377
Sturm RN (1973) Biodegradability of nonionic surfactants: screening test for rate of ultimate biodegradation. J Am Oil Chem Soc 50:159–167
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
About this entry
Cite this entry
Poupin, P. (2013). Biodegradability in Ecotoxicology. In: Férard, JF., Blaise, C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Aquatic Ecotoxicology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5704-2_18
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5704-2_18
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-007-5040-1
Online ISBN: 978-94-007-5704-2
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Earth and Environmental Sciences