At RespirTek, we specialize in comprehensive biodegradability testing to help organizations ensure their products meet environmental standards. This case study presents our recent analysis of a household cleaning product, focusing on its biodegradability under controlled laboratory conditions.
The goal of this study was to assess the biodegradability of a household floor cleaner and determine its compliance with industry standards. The manufacturer sought to verify the environmental biodegradability claims being made by the distributor.
We conducted biodegradability testing using the OECD 301B CO2 evolution test. This testing involved exposing the floor cleaner to a microbial consortium from a wastewater treatment plant under controlled conditions. Biodegradation was measured by monitoring CO2 evolution over 28 days.
The OECD 301B test requires that all control and test material reactors be set up in duplicate for statistical validation. Thus, there were two blank control reactors, two positive control reactors, and two test material reactors.
The results demonstrated that the floor cleaner achieved 78% biodegradation within 28 days, surpassing the 60% requirement for a biodegradability classification. Additionally, it reached the 60% threshold within the 10-day window for ready biodegradability.
The graph below illustrates the biodegradation curve, showing a consistent breakdown throughout the 28-day incubation period. Furthermore, no toxic inhibition of microbial activity was observed, reinforcing the material’s environmental safety.
