Agrochemical Biodegradation Research
Due to increasing pressure on global resources and the environment, energy conservation and environmental protection have become an integral part of global economic development. Biodegradability is an important environmental parameter for assessing organic matter, describing its decomposition and mineralization by microorganisms in the environment. Agrochemical biodegradability testing addresses the deterioration of the environmental physical properties of agrochemical products and materials under specific environmental conditions. Testing of biodegradable products should be conducted according to a range of international standards, and the selection of the most appropriate test method to demonstrate the biodegradability of finished agricultural compounds is critical for material suppliers and manufacturers. BOC Sciences has decades of experience in conducting comprehensive agrochemical biodegradation studies. Our studies assess the propensity of agricultural compounds to readily or inherently biodegrade based on standard ready biodegradability guidelines or higher-tiered inherent biodegradability guidelines. We regularly perform simulation studies in activated sludge, water, water/sediment or soil. Various inocula from local wastewater treatment facilities, rivers, lakes, oceans, fields and forests are studied. Our teams can help you develop an individual testing strategy and find the right testing method for your agricultural compound.
Figure 1. Mechanism of agrochemical degradation by fungi. (Bhadouria, R.; et al. 2020)
Benefits of Our Agrochemical Biodegradability Testing Services
- Customized services, including support for testing, consulting, and obtaining certification from local experts
- Assurance that the final delivered agrochemical products meet strict quality, safety, and environmental friendliness standards
- Assurance that products successfully pass biodegradability testing and evaluation by third-party certification bodies
Testing Methodology
- Study the complexity of biochemical interactions, the composition of the material being tested, and the specific needs of each agrochemical biodegradation testing
- Choose the optimal biodegradation test method for a specific agrochemical product
- Conduct biodegradation, toxicology, and bioaccumulation testing simultaneously for environmental fate analysis on the agricultural products for regulatory and third-party label claims
Figure 2. Effect of agrochemicals on soil systems. (Bhadouria, R.; et al. 2020)
Agrochemical Biodegradation Testing
Ready biodegradation testing
| OECD 301A | DOC-Die-Away Test | water soluble, not volatile |
| OECD 301B | CO2-Evolution Test (Sturm Test) | insoluble in water, not volatile |
| OECD 301D | Closed-Bottle Test | poor water soluble volatile |
| OECD 301F | Manometric Respirometry Test | insoluble in water, volatile |
| OECD 310 | CO2-Headspace Test | volatile |
Inherent biodegradation testing
| OECD 302B | Zahn-Wellens / EMPA Test | insoluble in water, not volatile, filterable |
Special biodegradation testing
| OECD 311 | Anaerobic Biodegradability of Organic Compounds in Digested Sludge |
BOC Sciences Advantages
- Highly specialized technical and analytical services for the worldwide registration and regulatory compliance of agrochemicals
- Robust analytical testing programs that span from research and product development through the production process to final product
- Relies on broad industrial experience, ensuring that all of our work meets the high standards expected by our clients
- Our regulatory experts, toxicology consultants, scientists and inspectors will ensure that you receive maximum levels of guidance, testing and inspection you need.
Reference
- Bhadouria, R.; et al. Mycoremediation of agrochemicals. Agrochemicals Detection, Treatment and Remediation. 2020. 22: 593-620.