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The european system of standardized legal tests for assessing the biodegradability of chemicals
Author(s) -
Nyholm Niels
Publication year - 1991
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.5620101002
Subject(s) - european community , legislation , biochemical engineering , biodegradation , test (biology) , work (physics) , risk analysis (engineering) , computer science , economic community , environmental science , engineering , business , ecology , political science , law , biology , economics , mechanical engineering , international trade , economy
A brief overview is given of the approach to biodegradation testing adopted by the European Economic Community (EEC) as part of the legislation on new chemicals. The tiered system of screening and simulation tests is outlined and the various tests are discussed briefly. It is concluded that the test strategy is logical and cost‐effective, but that ongoing work to further harmonize and revise screening tests for ready biodegradability must be completed before these tests perform satisfactorily. The principles governing simulation tests should be further developed, and, in particular, the importance of the applied concentration of test chemical should be addressed.