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Interpreting results from biodegradability tests of chemicals in water and soil
Author(s) -
Howard Philip H.,
Banerjee Sujit
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620030405
Subject(s) - biodegradation , environmental science , biochemical engineering , groundwater , environmental chemistry , degradation (telecommunications) , organic chemicals , chemistry , ecology , computer science , engineering , biology , geotechnical engineering , telecommunications
Biodegradability testing is examined and the many factors affecting extrapolation of laboratory biodegradation results to microbial degradation in the environment are discussed. Recent advances in the understanding of the effects of the concentration and nature of various nutrients and organic substrates and modeling the microbial kinetics of degradation are reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of screening methods and grab sample testing are discussed. The importance of groundwater biodegradation is also examined. Research needs are identified and guidelines are given to select various testing procedures to model diverse environmental situations.