New Test Method for Standard Test Method Screening for Aerobic Biodegradation of Organic Materials Using a Natural Marine Seawater Inoculum and Closed-loop Respirometer
1. Scope
This screening method is used to determine the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradation (mineralization) of organic materials including formulation additives exposed to microbes and other micro-organisms present in sea seawater. The screening method is conducted under controlled and optimized laboratory conditions. This screening method is designed to index organic materials that are potentially biodegradable, relative to a positive reference material, in an aerobic environment. This screening method is applicable to all organic materials containing at least 20% carbon that are not inhibitory to the microorganisms present in a marine environment.
Keywords
aerobic biodegradation
Rationale
This new standard test method is for biodegradation screening applicable to all types of organic materials. (i.e. paper, fiberboard, fibers, monomers, oligomers, biopolymers, biobased materials, polymers, wood, wool, cotton, bamboo, proteins, natural materials (polysaccharides), sustainable materials). This is a screening method adapted from ASTM 6691 developed in 2005 for D20.96. There are not many materials that biodegrade in the ocean, especially the deep ocean. Therefore, a screening method that optimizes conditions and parameters to promote mineralization of organic material under oceanic conditions is needed. This is a simple laboratory screening method that can be applied to a variety of materials concurrently and generates results that can determine whether more costly coastal and/or deep-sea testing should be performed.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 01-14-2026
Technical Contact: Jo Ann Ratto
Item: 000
Ballot:
Status: