Evaluation of the river die-away biodegradation test

Journal of the Water Pollution Control Federation
By: , and 

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Abstract

The reliability of the river die-away (RDA) test for establishing the biodegradability of chemicals was assessed. Reproducibility of biodegradation in the RDA test was analyzed under conditions in which the test is commonly done. Biodegradation results were not reproducible for di-2-ethylexyl phthalate (DEHP) and phthalic acid in replicated RDA tests using Missouri River water. Chemical and biological changes during the RDA tests probably reflected relative laboratory conditions. Initial suspended solids and subsequent DEHP biodegradation were directly related. Interpretation of RDA test results is enhanced by replicating experiments and comparing biodegradation of the test compound with a compound whose degradation properties are known. However, biodegradation measured with the RDA test is too variable and too dependent on laboratory treatment of samples to apply results directly to the aquatic environment.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Evaluation of the river die-away biodegradation test
Series title Journal of the Water Pollution Control Federation
Volume 54
Issue 8
Year Published 1982
Language English
Publisher Water Environment Federation
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description 6 p.
First page 1231
Last page 1236
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