Product Activity Testing

Case Study #1
Ready Biodegradability
Report on Ready Biodegradability

Summary
The OECD 301 harmonized series of biodegradability testing monitors the degree of activity of microorganisms exposed to a material that is being tested for a biodegradable status. In the test, if the microorganisms recognize the material as a food source, then an increase in biological activity is observed through data collection specifically designed to assess biological conversion of organic carbon to inorganic carbon. If the material is not a recognizable food source or is toxic or inhibitory, then there is no measurable increase in biological activity or, in some cases, there is a marked decrease in activity. Depending on the testing method and protocol selected under the OECD 301 series, a determination of “ready” or “inherent” (primary & ultimate) biodegradability can be assessed. The ASTM E1720-01 method is utilized for test setup and data collection.

Results
Based on the testing conducted in accordance with the specified method above, control product number XYZ did meet method requirements for Ready Biodegradability.

Excerpt from In-Depth Scientific Analysis Report

Case Study #2

A commercial producer of household products required third party validation of a packaged microbial infusion. Previous data, where conditions were optimum and within specification, indicated a specific growth curve. The client suspected a change from its supplier and desired to confirm their assumption. Respirometric testing and plate count work confirmed the suspected variances.

Click on Graph to Enlarge PDF

A pure culture of the specific microbe was known to germinate within a certain reproducible time frame. Respirometric testing indicated a germination time that was not acceptable and significantly different than the company’s specification. In the biograph to the right, the initial germination of samples “Product 1” and “Product 2” was at 16 hours; normally the species would germinate 34 to 36 hours as evidenced by the “Product 3” and “Product 3 Variant” graphs.

Based on the above testing, the manufacturer’s supplier confirmed a contamination in their pure culture that was quickly corrected and brought into specification for this client.

Additional respirometric testing for the manufacturer confirmed that the germination time had reverted to the original and intended supplier specification. Significant costs to product remake were avoided.

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