Synthetic Wastewater

OECD/OCDE 303
Adopted:
22nd January 2001
OECD GUIDELINE FOR THE TESTING OF CHEMICALS
Simulation Test - Aerobic Sewage Treatment:

303 A: Activated Sludge Units - 303 B: Biofilms
303 A: Activated Sludge Units
INTRODUCTION
1. In the 1950s it was realised that the newly introduced surfactants caused excessive foaming in waste
water treatment plants and in rivers. They were not fully removed in the aerobic treatment and in some cases
limited the removal of other organic matter. This instigated many investigations into how surfactants could be
removed from waste waters and whether new compounds produced by industry were amenable to waste water
treatment. In order to do this, model units were used representing the two main types of aerobic biological
waste water treatment (activated sludge and percolating, or trickling, filtration). It would have been
impractical and very costly to distribute each new material and to monitor large-scale treatment plants, even on
a local basis.
INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Activated sludge units
2. Model activated sludge units have been described ranging in size from 300 ml up to about 2000 ml.
Some closely mimicked full-scale plants, having sludge settlement tanks with settled sludge being pumped
back to the aeration tank, while others provided no settlement facilities e.g. Swisher (1). The size of the
apparatus is a compromise; on the one hand, it must be large enough for successful mechanical operation and
for the provision of sufficient volume of samples without affecting the operation, while on the other hand it
should not be so large that it demands excessive space and materials.
3. Two forms of apparatus which have been extensively and satisfactorily used are the Husmann units
(2) and Porous Pot units (3)(4), first used in the study of surfactants; these are described in this guideline.
Others have also been used satisfactorily, e.g. Eckenfelder (5). Because of the relatively high cost and effort of
applying this simulation test, simpler and cheaper screening tests, now embodied in 301 A-F were investigated
in parallel. Experience with many surfactants and other chemicals has shown that those which passed the
screening tests (readily biodegradable) also degraded in the simulation test. Some of those failing the
screening tests passed the inherent biodegradability tests (302 A, B) but only some of this latter group were
degraded in the simulation test, while those chemicals which failed tests for inherent biodegradability did not
degrade in the simulation tests (6)(7)(8).
4. For some purposes simulation tests carried out under a single set of operating conditions are
sufficient; the results are expressed as a percentage removal of the test substance or of dissolved organic
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carbon (DOC). A description of such a test is given in 303 A. However, unlike the previous 303 A (9), which
described only one type of apparatus treating synthetic sewage in the coupled mode using a relatively crude
method of sludge wastage, this text offers a number of variations. Alternatives to the type of apparatus, mode
of operation, sewage and sludge wastage removal are described. This text closely follows that of the ISO
Standard 11733 (10), which was carefully scrutinised during its preparation, though the method has not been
subject to a ring test.
5. For other purposes the concentration of the test chemical in the effluent is required to be known more
accurately and for this a more extensive method is needed. For example, the sludge wastage rate must be more
precisely controlled throughout each day and throughout the period of the test, and units have to be run at a
number of wastage rates. For a fully comprehensive method, tests should also be run at two or three different
temperatures: such a method is described by Birch (11)(12) and summarised in Annex 6. However, present
knowledge is insufficient to decide which of the kinetic models are applicable to the biodegradation of
chemicals in waste water treatment and in the aquatic environment generally. The application of Monod
kinetics, given in Annex 6 as an example, is limited to substances present at 1 mg/l and above, but in the
opinion of some even this remains to be substantiated. Tests at concentrations more truly reflecting those
found in waste waters are indicated, in Annex 7, but such tests, and those in Annex 6, are included in Annexes
instead of being issued as separate Test Guidelines.
Filters
6. Much less attention has been given to model percolating filters, perhaps because they are more
cumbersome and less compact than activated sludge plant models. Gerike et al (13) developed trickling filter
units and operated them in the coupled mode (9)(13). These filters were relatively large (height 2 m; volume
60 l) and each required as much as 2 l/h of sewage. Baumann et al (14), simulated trickling filters by inserting
polyester "fleece" strips into 1 m tubes (14 mm int. diameter) after the strips had been immersed in
concentrated activated sludge for 30 min. The test chemical as sole C source in a mineral salts solution was
fed down the vertical tube and biodegradation was assessed from measurements of DOC in the effluent and
CO2 in the issuing gas.
7. Biofilters have been simulated in another way (15); the inner surfaces of rotating tubes, inclined at a
small angle to the horizontal, were fed with sewage (about 250 ml/h) with and without the test chemical, and
the collected effluents analysed for DOC and/or the specific substance. This method is described in 303 B.
PRINCIPLE OF THE TEST
8. This method is designed to determine the elimination and the primary and/or ultimate biodegradation
of water-soluble organic compounds by aerobic micro-organisms in a continuously operated test system
simulating the activated sludge process. An easily biodegradable organic medium and the organic test
compound are the sources of carbon and energy for the micro-organisms.
9. Two continuously operated test units (activated sludge plants or porous pots) are run in parallel under
identical conditions which are chosen to suit the purpose of the test. Normally the mean hydraulic retention
time is 6 h and the mean sludge age (sludge retention time) is 6 to 10 days. Sludge is wasted by one of two
methods, the test substance is normally added at a concentration of between 10 mg/l dissolved organic carbon
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(DOC) and 20 mg/l DOC, to the influent (organic medium) of only one of the units. The second unit is used as
a control unit to determine the biodegradation of the organic medium.
10. In frequently taken samples of the effluents, the DOC, preferably, or chemical oxygen demand
(COD) is determined, together with the concentration of the test substance (if required) by specific analysis, in
the effluent from the unit receiving the test substance. The difference between the effluent concentrations of
DOC or COD in the test and control units is assumed to be due to the test substance or its organic metabolites.
This difference is compared with the influent concentration of DOC or COD due to the added test substance in
order to determine the elimination of the test substance.
11. Biodegradation may normally be distinguished from bioadsorption by careful examination of the
elimination-time curve and may usually be confirmed by applying a test for ready biodegradation using an
acclimatised inoculum from the unit receiving the test substance.
INFORMATION ON THE TEST SUBSTANCE
12. The purity, water solubility, volatility and adsorption characteristics of the test substance should be
known to enable correct interpretation of results to be made. Normally volatile and insoluble substances
cannot be tested unless special precautions are taken (see Annex 5). The chemical structure, or at least the
empirical formula should also be known in order to calculate theoretical values and/or to check measured
values of parameters, e.g. theoretical oxygen demand (ThOD), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and chemical
oxygen demand (COD).
13. Information on the toxicity of the test substance to micro-organisms (see Annex 4) may be useful for
selecting appropriate test concentrations and may be essential for the correct interpretation of low
biodegradation values.
PASS LEVELS
14. In the original application of this simulation (confirmatory) test to the primary biodegradation of
surfactants, a removal of more than 80% of the specific substance is required before the surfactant may be
marketed. If the value of 80% is not attained, this simulation (confirmatory) test may be applied and the
surfactant may be marketed only if more than 90% of the specific substance is removed. With chemicals in
general there is no question of pass/fail and the value of percentage removal obtained can be used in proximate
calculations of the probable environmental concentration to be used in hazard assessments posed by chemicals.
Results tend to follow an all or nothing pattern. In a number of studies of pure chemicals the percentage
removal of DOC was found to be >90% in more than three quarters and >80% in over 90% of chemicals which
showed any significant degree of biodegradability.
15. Relatively few chemicals (e.g. surfactants) are present in sewage at the concentrations (about 10
mg C/l) used in this test. Some chemicals may be inhibitory at these concentrations, while the kinetics of
removal of others may be different at low concentrations. A more accurate assessment of the degradation
could be made by using modified methods, using realistically low concentrations of the test chemical, and the
data collected could be used to calculate kinetic constants. However, the necessary experimental techniques
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have not yet been fully validated and neither have the kinetic models, which describe the biodegradation
reactions, been established (see Annex 7).
REFERENCE SUBSTANCES
16. To ensure that the experimental procedure is being carried out correctly, it is useful occasionally to
test substances whose behaviour is known simultaneously when test substances are investigated. Such
compounds include adipic acid, 2-phenyl phenol, 1-naphthol, diphenic acid, 1-naphthoic acid, etc. (6)(7)(8).
REPRODUCIBILITY OF TEST RESULTS
17. There have been far fewer reports of studies of simulation tests than of tests for ready
biodegradability. Reproducibility between (simultaneous) replicates is good (within 10-15%) for test
substances degraded by 80% or more but for less well degraded substances variability is greater. Also, with
some borderline substances widely disparate results (e.g. 10%, 90%) have been recorded on different
occasions within the 9 weeks allowed in the test.
18. Little difference has been found in results obtained with the two types of apparatus, but some
substances have been more extensively and consistently degraded in the presence of domestic sewage than
with OECD synthetic sewage.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TEST METHOD
Apparatus
Test system
19. The test system for one test substance consists of a test unit and a control unit; but when only specific
analyses are performed (primary biodegradation) only a test unit is required. One control unit can be used for
several test units receiving either the same or different test substances. In the case of coupling (Annex 3) each
test unit must have its own control unit. The test system may be either an activated sludge plant model,
Husmann unit (Annex 1, Figure 1) or a porous pot (Annex 1, Figure 2). In both cases storage vessels of
sufficient size for the influents and effluents are needed, as well as pumps to dose the influent, either mixed
with solution of the test substance or separately.
20. Each activated sludge plant unit consists of an aeration vessel with a known capacity of about 3 litres
of activated sludge and a separator (secondary clarifier) which holds about 1.5 litres; the volumes can, to some
extent, be changed by adjusting the height of the separator. Vessels of different sizes are permissible if they
are operated with comparable hydraulic loads. If it is not possible to keep the temperature in the test room in
the desired range, the use of water-jacketed vessels with temperature controlled water is recommended. An
airlift pump or a dosing pump is used to recycle the activated sludge from the separator to the aeration vessel,
either continuously or intermittently at regular intervals.
21. The porous pot system consists of an inner, porous cylinder with a conical bottom held in a slightly
larger vessel of the same shape, but made of an impervious plastic material. A suitable material for the porous
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vessel is porous polyethylene of maximum pore size 90 m and 2 mm thickness. Separation of the sludge
from the treated organic medium is effected by differential passage through the porous wall. Effluents collect
in the annular space from where it overflows into the collecting vessel. No settlement occurs and hence there
is no sludge return. The whole system may be mounted in a thermostatically controlled water-bath. Porous
pots become blocked and could overflow in the initial stages. In such a case, replace the porous liner with a
clean one by first siphoning the sludge from the pot into a clean bucket and removing the blocked liner. After
wiping out the impervious outer cylinder insert a clean liner and return the sludge to the pot. Any sludge
adhering to the sides of the blocked liner is also carefully scraped off and transferred. Clean blocked pots first
by using a fine jet of water to remove remaining sludge and by soaking in dilute sodium hypochlorite solution,
then in water, followed by thoroughly rinsing with water.
22. For aeration of the sludge in the aeration vessels of both systems, suitable techniques are required,
for example sintered cubes (diffuser stones) and compressed air. The air shall be cleaned, if necessary, by
passing through a suitable filter and washed. Sufficient air must pass through the system to maintain aerobic
conditions and to keep sludge flocs in suspension at all times during the test.
Filtration apparatus or centrifuge
23. Device for filtration of samples with membrane filters of suitable porosity (nominal aperture
diameter 0.45 m) which adsorb soluble organic compounds and release organic carbon to a minimum degree.
If filters are used which release organic carbon, wash the filters carefully with hot water to remove leachable
organic carbon. Alternatively, a centrifuge capable of producing 40,000 m/s2 may be used.
Analytical equipment
24. Apparatus required to determine:
- DOC(dissolved organic carbon) and TOC (total organic carbon), or COD (chemical oxygen
demand);
- specific substance, if required;
- suspended solids, pH, oxygen concentration in water;
- temperature, acidity and alkalinity;
- ammonium, nitrite and nitrate, if the test is performed under nitrifying conditions.
Water
25. Tap water, containing less than 3 mg/l DOC. Determine the alkalinity if not already known.
26. Deionised water, containing less than 2 mg/l DOC.
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Organic medium
27. Synthetic sewage, domestic sewage or a mixture of both is permissible as the organic medium. It has
been shown (8)(12) that the use of domestic sewage alone often gives increased percentage DOC removal and
even allows the removal and biodegradation of some chemicals which are not biodegraded when OECD
synthetic sewage is used. Also, the constant or intermittent addition of domestic sewage often stabilises the
activated sludge, including the crucial ability to settle well. Thus, the use of domestic sewage is
recommended. Measure the DOC or COD concentration in each new batch of organic medium. The acidity or
alkalinity of the organic medium should be known. The organic medium may require the addition of a suitable
buffer (sodium hydrogen carbonate or potassium dihydrogen phosphate) if it is of low acidity or alkalinity, to
maintain a pH of about 7.5 ± 0.5 in the aeration vessel during the test. The amount of buffer to be added, and
when to add it, has to be decided in each individual case. When mixtures are used either continuously or
intermittently, the DOC (or COD) of the mixture must be kept at an approximately constant value, e.g. by
dilution with water.
Synthetic sewage
28. Dissolve in each litre of tap water: peptone, 160 mg; meat extract, 110 mg; urea, 30 mg; anhydrous
dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4), 28 mg; sodium chloride (NaCl), 7 mg; calcium chloride dihydrate
(CaCl2.2H2O), 4 mg; magnesium sulphate heptahydrate (MgSO4.7H20), 2 mg. This OECD synthetic sewage is
an example and gives a mean DOC concentration in the influent of about 100 mg/l. Alternatively, use other
compositions, with about the same DOC concentration, which are closer to real sewage. If a less concentrated
influent is required, dilute the synthetic sewage, for example 1:1, with tap water to obtain a concentration of
about 50 mg/l. Such a weaker influent will allow better growth of nitrifying organisms and this modification
should be used if the simulation of nitrifying waste water plants is to be investigated. This synthetic sewage
may be made up in distilled water in a concentrated form and stored at about 1 C for up to one week. When
needed, dilute with tap water. (This medium is unsatisfactory e.g. nitrogen concentration is very high,
relatively low carbon content, but nothing better has been suggested, except to add more phosphate as buffer
and extra peptone).
Domestic sewage
29. Use fresh settled sewage collected daily from a treatment works receiving predominantly domestic
sewage. It should be collected, prior to primary sedimentation, from the overflow channel of the primary
sedimentation tank, or from the feed to the activated sludge plant, and be largely free from coarse particles.
The sewage can be used after storage for several days (but generally should not exceed seven days) at about 4
C, if it is proved that the DOC (or COD) has not significantly decreased (i.e. by less than 20%) during
storage. In order to limit disturbances to the system, the DOC (or COD) of each new batch should be adjusted
before use to an appropriate constant value, e.g. by dilution with tap water.
Activated sludge
30. Collect activated sludge for inoculation from the aeration tank of a well operated waste water
treatment plant or from a laboratory - scale activated sludge unit, treating predominantly domestic sewage.
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Stock solutions of test substance
31. For substances of adequate solubility, prepare stock solutions at appropriate concentrations (e.g. 1 to
5 g/l) in deionised water, or in the mineral portion of the synthetic sewage. (for insoluble and volatile
substances, see Annex 5). Determine the DOC and total organic carbon (TOC) of the stock solution and repeat
the measurements for each new batch. If the difference between the DOC and TOC is greater than 20%, check
the water-solubility of the test substance. Compare the DOC or the concentration of the test substance
measured by specific analysis of the stock solution with the nominal value, to ascertain whether recovery is
good enough (normally >90% can be expected). Ascertain, especially for dispersions, whether or not DOC
can be used as an analytical parameter or if only an analytical technique specific for the test substance can be
used. Centrifugation of the samples is required for dispersions. For each new batch, measure the DOC, COD
or the test compound with specific analysis.
32. Determine the pH of the stock solution. Extreme values indicate that the addition of the substance
may have an influence on the pH of the activated sludge in the test system. In this case neutralise the stock
solution to obtain a pH of 7 ± 0.5 with small amounts of inorganic acid or base, but avoid precipitation of the
test substance.
PROCEDURE
33. The procedure is described for the activated sludge plant units; it has to be slightly adapted for the
porous pot system.
Preparation of the inoculum
34. Inoculate the test system at the beginning of the test with either activated sludge or an inoculum
containing a low concentration of micro-organisms. Keep the inoculum aerated at room temperature until it is
used and use it within 24 h. In the first case, take a sample of activated sludge from the aeration tank of an
efficiently operated biological waste water treatment plant, or a laboratory treatment plant, which receives
predominantly domestic sewage. If nitrifying conditions are to be simulated, take sludge from a nitrifying
waste water treatment plant. Determine the concentration of suspended solids and, if necessary, concentrate
the sludge by settling so that the volume added to the test system is minimal. Ensure that the starting
concentration of dry matter is about 2.5 g/l.
35. In the second case, use 2 ml/l to 10 ml/l of an effluent from a domestic biological waste water
treatment plant as an inoculum. To get as many different species of bacteria as possible, it may be helpful to
add inocula from various other sources, for example surface water. In this case, the activated sludge will
develop and grow in the test system.
Dosage of organic medium
36. Ensure that influent and effluent containers and tubing from influent vessels and to effluent vessels
are thoroughly cleaned to remove microbial growths initially and throughout the test. Assemble the test
systems in a room where the temperature is controlled (normally in the range 20-25o C) or use water-jacketed
test units. Prepare a sufficient volume of the required organic medium (paragraphs 27-29). Initially fill the
aeration vessel and the separator with the organic medium and add the inoculum (paragraphs 34, 35). Start the
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aeration such that the sludge is kept in suspension and in an aerobic state and begin dosing the influent and
recycling the settled sludge. Dose organic medium out of storage vessels into the aeration vessels (paragraphs
20, 21) of the test and control units and collect the respective effluents in similar storage vessels. To get the
normal hydraulic retention time of 6 h, the organic medium is pumped at 0.5 l/h. To confirm this rate, measure
the daily amount of organic medium dosed by noting the reduction in volumes of the medium in the storage
vessels. Other modes of dosing would be necessary for determining the effects of intermittent release and
“shock” loading of chemicals.
37. If the organic medium is prepared for use for a period longer than 1 day, cooling at about 4 C, or
other appropriate methods of conservation are necessary to prevent microbial growth and biodegradation
outside the test units (paragraph 29). If synthetic sewage is used, it is possible to prepare, and store at about
4 C, a concentrated stock solution (e.g. 10-fold the normal concentration, paragraph 28). This stock solution
can be well mixed with the appropriate volume of tap water before use; alternatively, it can be pumped directly
while the appropriate amount of tap water is pumped separately.
Dosage of test substance
38. Add an appropriate volume of the stock solution of the test substance (paragraph 31) to the storage
vessel of the influent or dose it directly with a separate pump into the aeration vessel. The normal mean test
concentration in the influent should be between 10 mg/l and 20 mg/l DOC, with an upper concentration of no
more than 50 mg/l. If the water-solubility of the test substance is low or if toxic effects are likely to occur,
reduce the concentration to 5 mg/l DOC or even less, but only if a suitable specific analytical method is
available and performed (dispersed test substances which are poorly soluble in water may be added using
special dosing techniques, see Annex 5).
39. Start adding the test substance after a period in which the system has stabilised and is removing DOC
of the organic medium efficiently (about 80%). It is important to check that all units are working equally
efficiently before the addition of test substance; if they are not, it usually helps to mix the individual sludges
and to re-dispense equal volumes to individual units. When an inoculum of (about) 2.5 g/l (dry weight)
activated sludge is used, the test substance may be added from the start of the test since directly adding
increasing amounts from the beginning has the advantage that the activated sludge may be better able to adapt
to the test substance. In whatever manner the test substance is added, it is recommended that the relevant flow
rate and/or the volumes in the storage vessel(s) are measured at regular intervals.
Handling of activated sludge
40. The concentration of activated sludge solids normally stabilises between limits during the test,
independent of the inoculum used, in the range 1 to 3 g/l (dry weight) depending on the quality and
concentration of the organic medium, operating conditions, the nature of the micro-organisms present and the
influence of the test substance.
41. Either determine the suspended solids in the aeration vessels at least weekly and discard surplus
sludge to maintain the concentration at 1 g/l to 3 g/l (dry weight), or control the mean sludge age at a constant
value usually in the range 6 days to 10 days. If, for example, a sludge retention time of 8 days is chosen,
remove daily 1/8 of the volume of the activated sludge in the aeration vessel and discard it. Carry this out on a
daily basis or, preferably, by means of an automatic intermittently operating pump. Maintaining the
concentration of suspended solids constant, or within narrow limits, does not maintain a constant sludge
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retention time (SRT), which is the operating variable that determines the value of the concentration of test
substance in the effluent.
42. Throughout the test, remove, at least daily, any sludge adhering to the walls of the aeration vessel
and the separator so that it is resuspended. Check and clean regularly all tubes and tubing to prevent growth of
biofilm. Recycle the settled sludge from the separator to the aeration vessel, preferably by intermittent
pumping. No recycling takes place in the porous pot system but ensure that clean inner pots are inserted
before the volume in the vessel rises significantly (paragraph 21).
43. Poor settlement and loss of sludge may occur in the Husmann plant units. These may be rectified by
employing one or more of the actions, listed below, in parallel in test and control units:
- fresh sludge or flocculant (for example 2 ml/vessel of 50 g/l FeCl 3) could be added at regular
intervals, e.g. weekly, but ascertain that no reaction or precipitation of the test substance occurs
with FeCl3;
- the air-lift pump could be replaced by a peristaltic pump, thus enabling a sludge recirculation
flow which about equals the influent flow to be used and allowing development of an anaerobic
zone in the settled sludge (the geometry of the air-lift pump limits the minimum flow rate of
returned sludge to be about 12-fold that of the influent);
- sludge could be pumped intermittently from the separator to the aeration vessel (e.g. 5 min.
every 2.5 h to recycle 1 l/h to 1.5 l/h;
- a non-toxic, anti-foaming agent at minimal concentration could be used to prevent loss by
foaming (e.g. silicone oil);
- air could be passed through the sludge in the separator in short, shock bursts (e.g. 10 sec. every
hour);
- the organic medium may be dosed at intervals into the aeration vessel (e.g. 3 min. to 10 min.
every hour).
Sampling and analysis
44. At regular intervals measure the dissolved oxygen concentration, the temperature and the pH value of
the activated sludge in the aeration vessels. Ensure that sufficient oxygen is always available (>2 mg/l) and
that the temperature is kept in the required range (normally 20 C to 25 C). Keep the pH at 7.5 ± 0.5 by
dosing small amounts of inorganic base or acid into the aeration vessel or into the influent, or by increasing the
buffering capacity of the organic medium (see paragraph 27). When nitrification occurs acid is produced, the
oxidation of 1 mg N producing the equivalent of about 7 mg CO3--. The frequency of measuring depends on
the parameter to be measured and the stability of the system, and may vary between daily and weekly
measurements.
45. Measure the DOC or COD in the influents to the control and test vessels. Measure the test substance
concentration in the test influent by specific analysis or estimate it from the concentration in the stock solution
(paragraph 31), the volume used and the amount of sewage dosed into the test unit. It is recommended that the
concentration of the test substance be calculated in order to reduce the variability of the concentration data.
46. Take suitable samples from the collected effluent (e.g. 24 h composites) and filter through a
membrane of pore size 0.45 m or centrifuge them at about 40,000 m/s2 for about 15 min. Centrifuging should
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be used if filtering is difficult. Determine DOC or COD at least in duplicate to measure ultimate
biodegradation and, if required, primary biodegradation by an analysis specific for the test substance.
47. The use of COD may give rise to analytical problems at low concentrations and is therefore
recommended only if a sufficiently high test concentration (about 30 mg/l) is used. Also, for strongly
adsorbing substances, it is recommended that the amount of adsorbed substance in the sludge be measured
using an analytical technique specific for the test substance.
48. The frequency of sampling depends on the expected duration of the test. A recommended frequency
is three times per week. Once the units are operating efficiently, allow from 1 week to a maximum of 6 weeks
after the test substance has been introduced, for adaptation to reach a steady state. Preferably obtain at least 15
valid values in the plateau phase (paragraph 59), normally lasting 3 weeks, for the evaluation of the test result.
The test may be completed if a sufficient degree of elimination is reached (e.g. >90%) and these 15 values,
which represent analyses carried out each weekday over 3 weeks, are available. Normally, do not exceed a test
duration of more than 12 weeks after addition of the test substance.
49. If the sludge nitrifies and if the effects of the test substance on nitrification are to be studied, analyse
samples from the effluent of the test and control units at least once per week for ammonium and/or nitrite plus
nitrate.
50. All analyses should be performed as soon as possible, especially the nitrogen determinations. If
analyses have to be postponed, store the samples at about 4 C in the dark in full, tightly stopped bottles. If
samples have to be stored for more than 48 h, preserve them by deep-freezing, acidification (e.g. 10 ml/l of a
400 g/l solution of sulphuric acid) or by addition of a suitable toxic substance (e.g. 20 ml/l of a 10 g/l solution
of mercury (II) chloride). Ensure that the preservation technique does not influence results of analysis.
Coupling of test units
51. If coupling is to be used (Annex 3), daily exchange the same amount of activated sludge (150 ml to
1500 ml for aeration vessels containing 3 litres of liquor) between the aeration vessels of the test unit and its
control unit. If the test substance adsorbs strongly onto the sludge, change only the supernatant of the
separators. In both cases use a correction factor to calculate the test results (paragraph 55).
DATA AND REPORTING
Treatment of results
52. Calculate the percentage of DOC or COD elimination of the test substance for each timed
assessment, using the equation:
Cs - (E - Eo)
Dt   100
Cs
where Dt = % elimination of DOC or COD at time t
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Cs = DOC or COD in the influent due to the test substance, preferably estimated from the stock
solution (mg/l)
E = measured DOC or COD value in the test effluent at time t (mg/l)
Eo = measured DOC or COD value in the control effluent at time t (mg/l)
53. The degree of DOC or COD elimination of the organic medium in the control unit is helpful
information in assessing the biodegradative activity of the activated sludge during the test. Calculate the
percentage elimination from the equation:
CM  E O
DB =  100
CM
where DB = % elimination of DOC or COD of the organic medium in the control unit at time t
CM = DOC or COD of the organic medium in the control influent (mg/l)
Optionally, calculate the percentage elimination DOC or COD due to the organic medium plus test substance
in the test unit from the equation:
CT  E
DT =  100
CT
where DT = % elimination of total test influent DOC or COD

CT = DOC or COD of total test influent or calculated from stock solutions (mg/l)
54. Calculate the removal of the test substance if measured with a specific analytical method at each time
assessment from equation:
Si  Se
DST =  100
Si
where DST = % primary elimination of test substance at time t

Si = measured or estimated test substance concentration in the test influent (mg/l)
Se = measured test substance concentration in test effluent at time t (mg/l)
55. If the coupling mode has been used, compensate the dilution of the test substance in the aeration
vessel by the sludge exchange using a correction factor (see Annex 3). If a mean hydraulic retention time of 6
h and an exchange of half of the volume of the activated sludge in the aeration vessel have been used, the
determined daily elimination values (Dt, paragraph 52) have to be corrected to obtain the true degree of
elimination, Dtc, of the test substance from the equation:
4Dt 100
Dtc =
3
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Expression of test results
56. Plot the percentage elimination Dt (or Dtc) and Dst, if available, versus time (see Annex 2). From the
shape of the elimination curve of the test substance (per se or as DOC) some conclusions may be drawn about
the removal process.
Adsorption
57. If a high DOC elimination of the test substance is observed from the beginning of the test, the test
substance is probably eliminated by adsorption onto the activated sludge solids. It is possible to prove this by
determining the adsorbed test substance by specific analysis. It is not usual for the elimination of DOC of
adsorbable substances to remain high throughout the test; normally, there is a high degree removal initially
which gradually falls to an equilibrium value. If, however, the adsorbable test substance was able to cause
acclimation of the microbial population in some way or other, the DOC elimination of the test substance would
subsequently increase and reach a high plateau value.
Lag phase
58. As in static, screening tests, many test substances require a lag phase before full biodegradation
occurs. In the lag phase, acclimation or adaptation of the degrading bacteria takes place with almost no
removal of the test substance; then the initial growth of these bacteria occurs. This phase ends and the
degradation phase is taken to begin when about 10% of the initial amount of test substance is removed (after
allowing for adsorption, if it occurs). The lag phase is often highly variable and poorly reproducible.
Plateau phase
59. The plateau phase of an elimination curve in a continuous test is defined as that phase in which the
maximum degradation takes place. The plateau phase should be at least 3 weeks and have about 15 measured
valid values.
Mean degree of elimination of test substance
60. Calculate the mean value from the elimination values (Dt) of the test substance at the plateau phase.
Rounded to the nearest whole number (1%), it is the degree of elimination of the test substance. It is also
recommended to calculate the 95% confidence interval of the mean value.
Elimination of organic medium
61. Plot the percentage of elimination of the DOC or COD of the organic medium in the control unit
(DB) versus time. Indicate the mean degree of elimination in the same way as for the test substance (paragraph
60).
Indication of biodegradation
62. If the test substance does not adsorb significantly on to activated sludge and the elimination curve
has a typical shape of a biodegradation curve with lag, degradation and plateau phases (paragraphs 58, 59), the
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measured elimination can safely be attributed to biodegradation. If a high initial removal has taken place, the
simulation test cannot differentiate between biological and abiotic elimination processes. In such cases, and in
other cases where there is any doubt about biodegradation (e.g. if stripping takes place), analyse adsorbed test
substances or perform additional static biodegradation tests based on parameters clearly indicating biological
processes. Such tests are the oxygen uptake methods (301 C, 301 D and 301 F) or a test with measurement of
carbon dioxide production (301 B) or the ISO Headspace method (16), using a pre-exposed inoculum from the
simulation test. If both the DOC removal and specific substance removal have been measured, significant
differences (the former being lower than the latter) between the percentages removed indicate the presence in
the effluents of intermediate organic products which may be more difficult to degrade than the parent
compound.
Validity of test results
63. Information on the normal biodegradation behaviour of the inoculum is achieved if the degree of
elimination of the organic medium (paragraph 53) in the control unit is determined. Consider the test to be
valid if the degree of DOC or COD elimination in the control unit(s) is >80% after two weeks and no unusual
observations have been made.
64. If a readily biodegradable (reference) substance has been used, the degree of biodegradation (Dt,
paragraph 52) should be >90%.
65. If the test is performed under nitrifying conditions, the mean concentration in the effluents should be
<1 mg/l ammonia-N and <2 mg/l nitrite-N.
66. If these criteria (paragraphs 63-65) are not met, repeat the test using an inoculum from a different
source, test a reference substance, and review all experimental procedures.
Test Report
67. The test report must include the following:
Test substance:
- identification data;
- physical nature and, where relevant, physical-chemical properties.
Test conditions:
- type of test system; any modifications for testing insoluble and volatile compounds;
- type of organic medium;
- proportion and nature of industrial waste waters in sewage, if known;
- inoculum, nature and sampling site(s), concentration and any pre-treatment;
- test substance stock solution: DOC and TOC content; how prepared, if suspension; test
concentration used; reasons if outside range of 10 - 20 mg DOC/l; method of addition; date
first added; any changes;
- mean sludge age and mean hydraulic retention time; method of sludge wastage; methods of
overcoming bulking, loss of sludge, etc.;
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- analytical techniques employed;

- test temperature;
- qualities of the sludge-bulking, sludge volume index (SVI), mixed liquor suspended solids
(MLSS);
- any deviations from standard procedures and any circumstances which may have affected
results.
Test results:
- all measured data (DOC, COD, specific analyses, pH, temperature, oxygen concentration,
suspended solids, N compounds, if relevant;
- all calculated values of Dt (or Dtc), DB, DSt obtained in tabular form and the elimination
curves;
- information on lag and plateau phases, test duration, the degree of elimination of the test
compound and that of the organic medium in the control unit, together with statistical
information and statements of biodegradability and validity of the test;
- discussion of results.
LITERATURE
(1) Swisher RD “Surfactant Biodegradation”, 2nd Edn. Marcel Dekker Inc. New York, 1085 pp (1987).
(2) German Government (1962) Ordinance of the degradability of detergents in washing and cleaning
agents. Bundesgesetzblatt, Pt.1 No.49:698-706.
(3) Painter H A and King E F (1978,a) WRc porous-pot method for assessing biodegradability.
Technical Report No.70, Water Research Centre, Medmenham, UK.
(4) Painter H A and King E F (1978,b) The effect of phosphate and temperature on growth of activated
sludge and on biodegradation of surfactants. Wat. Res., 12,909-915.
(5) Eckenfelder, W.W (19) [to come from USEPA].
(6) Gerike, P and Fischer, W K (1979) A correlation study of biodegradability determinations with
various chemicals in various tests. Ecotox. Env. Saf., 3,157-173.
(7) Gerike, P and Fischer, W K (1981), as (6), II Additional results and conclusions. Ecotox. Env. Saf.,
5, 45-55.
(8) Painter, H A and Bealing, D (1989) Experience and data from the OECD activated sludge simulation
test. pp 113-138, In: Laboratory tests for simulation of water treatment processes. CEC Water
Pollution Report 18. Eds. Jacobsen BN, Muntau, H, Angeletti,G.
(9) OECD Test Guideline 303A, Paris (1981).
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(10) International Organization for Standardization, ISO Standard 11,733. Evaluation of the elimination
and biodegradability of organic compounds in an aqueous medium - activated sludge simulation test
(1995).
(11) Birch, R R (1982) The biodegradability of alcohol ethoxylates. XIII Jornado Com. Espanol. Deterg.,
33-48.
(12) Birch, R R (1984) Biodegradation of noniomic surfactants. J.A.O.C.S., 61 (2) 340-343.
(13) Gerike P, Fischer W K and Holtmann W (1980) Biodegradability determinations in trickling filter
units compared with the OECD confirmatory test. Wat.Res., 14, 753-758.
(14) Baumann U, Kuhn G and Benz M. (1998) Einfache Versuchsanordnung zur Gewinnung
gewässerökologisch relevanter Daten, UWSF - Z. Umweltchem. Ökotox., 10, 214-220.
(15) Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (1982) Assessment of biodegradability. Methods for the
examination of waters and associated materials. pp. 91-98 ISBN 011 751661 9.
(16) ISO 14,593 (1998) Water Quality - Evaluation in an aqueous medium of the ultimate
biodegradability of organic compounds. Method by the analysis of inorganic carbon in sealed
vessels.
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ANNEX 1
Figure 1: Equipment used for assessment of biodegradability
Husmann unit
Air
C
D
H G
B F
A E
Air
A. Storage vessel E. Air lift pump

B. Dosing pump F. Collection vessel
C. Aeration chamber (3 1 capacity) G. Aerator
D. Settling vessel H. Air flow meter
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Figure 2: Equipment used for assessment of biodegradability
Porous pot
C
D
F
G
E
A B
Air
A. Storage vessel E. Collection vessel

B. Dosing pump F. Diffuser
C. Porous aeration vessel G. Air flow meter
D. Outer impermeable vessel
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ANNEX 1 (continued)
Figure 3: Details of 3 litre porous pot aeration vessel
Internal diameter of porous pot

14 cm
2.5 cm Rim
Seal
14 cm
15 cm
Internal diameter of
outer pot
17.2 cm
45 °
9.9 cm
10.6 cm
Side of cone inner
Side of cone outer
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ANNEX 2
EXAMPLE OF AN ELIMINATION CURVE
Polyethylene glycol 400

Test Concentration 20 mg/l DOC
120
100
DOC elimination (%))
80
60 Plateau phase
40
20 Lag phase
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Time (Day)
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ANNEX 3
[INFORMATIVE]
COUPLING OF THE TEST UNITS
In order to try to equalise the microbial populations in sludges in a test unit, receiving sewage plus a
test substance, and in a control unit, receiving only sewage, a daily interchange of sludge was introduced (1).
The procedure was called coupling and the method is known as coupled units. Coupling was initially
performed using Husmann activated sludge units but it has also been done with Porous Pot units (2)(3). No
significant differences in results were found as between non-coupled and coupled units, whether Husmann or
Porous Pot so there is no advantage in expending the time and energy needed in coupling the units.
Sludge exchanges can give the appearance of quite a considerable removal, since some of the test
substance in transferred and the concentrations of test substance in the test and control effluents become more
nearly equal. Thus, correcting factors have to be used which depend on the fraction exchanged and the mean
hydraulic retention time. More details of the calculation have been published (1).
Calculate the corrected DOC or COD elimination degree using the general formula:
D tc = ( Dt - 100 • a • r / 12) / (1 – a • r / 12) %
where D tc = corrected % DOC or COD elimination

Dt = determined % DOC or COD elimination
a = interchange fraction of the volume of the activated sludge units
r = mean hydraulic retention time (h)
If, for example, half of the volume of the aeration tank is exchanged (a = 0.5) and the mean hydraulic
retention time is 6h, the correction formula is:
4Dt 100
Dtc =
3
References
(1) Fischer W., Gerike P., Holtmann W. (1975). Biodegradability Determinations via Unspecific
Analyses (Chemical Oxygen Demand, DOC) in Coupled Units of the OECD Confirmatory Test. I
The test. Wat. Res., 9, 1131-1135.
(2) Painter H.A., Bealing D.J. (1989). Experience and Data from the OECD Activated Sludge Simulation
Test. pp. 113-138. In: Laboratory Tests for Simulation of Water Treatment Processes CEC Water
Pollution Report 18. Eds. Jacobsen BN, Muntau H, Angeletti G.
(3) Painter H.A, King E.F. (1978). Water Research Centre Porous Pot Method for Assessing
Biodegradability. Technical Report TR70, Water Research Centre, Stevenage, UK.
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ANNEX 4
EVALUATION OF INHIBITION OF THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE

PROCESS BY TEST SUBSTANCES
1. A chemical (or a waste water) may not be degraded or removed in the simulation test and may even
have an inhibitory effect on the sludge micro-organisms. Other chemicals are biodegraded at low
concentrations but are inhibitory at higher concentration (hormesis). Inhibitory effects may have been
revealed at an earlier stage or may be determined by applying a toxicity test, using an inoculum similar to or
identical with that used in the simulation test (Reynolds et al.). Such methods are inhibition of oxygen uptake
(OECD Guideline 209 and ISO Standard 8192) or inhibition of growth of sludge organisms (ISO 15522).
2. In the simulation test any inhibition will be manifest by the difference in dissolved organic carbon
(DOC) or chemical oxygen demand COD between the effluent from the test vessel and that from the control
being greater than the DOC added as test substance. Expressed in another way, the percentage removal of
DOC (and biochemical oxygen demand BOD, chemical oxygen demand COD, and/or NH 4 ) of the organic
medium on treatment will be decreased by the presence of the test substance. If this occurs, the test should be
repeated reducing the concentration of the test substance until a level is reached at which no inhibition occurs
and perhaps further reducing the concentration until the test substance is biodegraded. However, if the test
substance (or waste water) has adverse effects on the process at all concentrations tested, the indications are
that the substance is difficult, if not impossible, to treat biologically, but it may be worth repeating the test with
activated sludge from a different source and/or subjecting the sludge to a more gradual acclimation.
3. Conversely, if the test substance is bioeliminated at the first attempt in the simulation test, its
concentration should be increased if it is required to be known whether the substance could be inhibitory.
4. It should be remembered in trying to determine degrees of inhibition that the activated sludge
population can change, so that with time the micro-organisms may develop a tolerance towards an inhibitory
substance.
5. Calculation of degree of inhibition:
The overall percentage removals Ro, of BOD, DOC, COD etc., for the test and control units can be
calculated from:
R o = 100 (I - E) / I %
where: I = influent concentration of BOD, DOC, COD etc, for test or control vessels (mg/l)
E = respective effluent concentrations (mg/l).
I and E must be corrected for the DOC due to the test compound in the test units, otherwise the calculations of
percentage inhibition will be incorrect.
The degree of inhibition caused by the presence of the test material can be calculated from:
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% inhibition = 100 ( R c - Rt )/ R c
where: Rc = percentage removal in the control vessels

Rt = percentage removal in the test vessels
References
Reynolds, L. et al. (1987). Evaluation of the toxicity of substances to be assessed for biodegradability.
Chemosphere, 16, 2259.
OECD 209 (1984). Activated sludge, Respiration Inhibition Test. OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals.
ISO 15522 (1999). Water Quality - Determination of the inhibitory effect of water constituents on activated
sludge microorganisms.
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ANNEX 5
POORLY WATER-SOLUBLE TEST SUBSTANCES - VOLATILE SUBSTANCES
Poorly water soluble substances
Few reports seem to have been published on subjecting poorly water-soluble and insoluble chemicals
to tests simulating waste water treatment (1)(2)(3).
There is no single method of dispersal of the test material which is applicable to all insoluble
chemicals. Two of the four types of method described in ISO 10634 (4) would seem to be suitable for
attempting to disperse test substances for simulation testing; they are the use of emulsifying agents and/or of
ultrasonic energy. The stability over at least 24h periods of the resulting dispersion should be established.
Suitably stabilised dispersions, contained in a constantly stirred reservoir (paragraph 38), would then be dosed
to the aeration tank separately from the domestic (or synthetic) sewage.
If the dispersions are stable, investigate how the test substance can be determined in the dispersed
form. It is unlikely that DOC will be suitable, so that a specific analytical method for the test substance would
have to be established which could be applied to effluents, effluent solids and activated sludge. The fate of the
test substance in the simulation of the activated sludge process would then be determined in liquid and solid
phases. Thus, a "mass balance" would be established to decide whether the test substance had been
biodegraded. However, this would indicate only primary biodegradation. Demonstration of ultimate
biodegradation should be attempted by applying a respirometric test for ready biodegradability (301 B, C or F)
using as inoculum sludge exposed to the test substance in the simulation test.
Volatile chemicals
The application of waste water treatment simulations to volatile substances is both debatable and
problematic. As with poorly water-soluble test substances, very few reports seem to have been published
describing simulation tests using volatile substances. A conventional type of complete-mixing apparatus is
adapted by sealing the aeration and settling tanks, measuring and controlling the air flow using flow-meters
and passing the exit gas through traps to collect volatile organic matter. In some cases, a vacuum pump is used
to draw the exit gas through a `cold' trap or a purge-trap containing Tenax and silica gel for
gas-chromatographic analyses. The test substance present in the trap can be determined analytically.
The test is carried out in two parts. The units are first operated without sludge but with the synthetic
waste water plus test substance being pumped into the aeration tank. Influent, effluent and exit gas samples
are collected and analysed for the test substance for a few days. From the data collected, the percentage (Rvs)
of the test material stripped from the system may be calculated.
Then the normal biological test (with sludge) is performed under operating conditions identical to
those in the stripping study. DOC or COD measurements are also made to check that the units are performing
efficiently. Occasional analyses are made to determine the test substance in the influent, effluent and exit gas
in the first part of the test; after acclimation more frequent analyses are made. Again, from the data in the
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steady state, the percentage of removal of the test substance from the liquid phase by all processes (RT)
(physical and biological) may be calculated, as well as the proportion (RV) stripped from the system.
Calculation:
(a) In the non-biological test, the percentage ( RVP ) of the test material stripped from the system may be
calculated from:
SVP
% RVP =  100
SIP
where RVP = removal of test substance by volatilisation (%),

SVP = test substance collected in trap expressed as equivalent concentration in liquid phase
(mg/l),
SIP = test substance concentration in influent (mg/l).
(b) In the biological test, the percentage (RV) of the test material stripped from the system may be
calculated from:
SV
% Rv =  100
SI
where Rv = removal of test substance by volatilisation in biological test (%),

Sv = test substance collected in trap in biological test, expressed as equivalent concentration
in liquid influent (mg/l),
SI = test substance concentration in influent (mg/l).
(c) In the biological test, the percentage (RT) of the test substance removed by all processes is given by:
SE
RT % = 1   100
SI
where SE = concentration of test substance in the (liquid) effluent (mg/l).
(d) Thus, the percentage ( RBA ) removed by biodegradation plus adsorption can be calculated from:
% RBA = ( RT - R V )
Separate tests should be carried out to determine whether the test substance is adsorbed; if it is then a
further correction may be made.
(e) A comparison between the proportion of test substance stripped from the biological (Rv) and
non-biological test (Rvp) systems indicates the overall effect that biological treatment has had on the
emission of the test substance into the atmosphere.
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OECD/OCDE 303
Example: Benzene
Sludge retention time = 4 days
A synthetic sewage; retention time = 8h
SIP = SI = 150 mg/l

SVP = 150 mg/l ( SEP = 0)
SV = 22.5 mg/l
SE = 50 µg/l
Thus, RVP = 100%, R V = 15%

RT = 100% and RBA = 85%.
Benzene was assumed not to be adsorbed onto sludge.
References
(1) Horn J.A., Moyer J.E., Hale J.H. (1970). Biological degradation of tertiary butyl alcohol. Proc. 25th
Ind. Wastes Conference Purdue Univ., 939-854.
(2) Pitter P., Chudoba J. (1990). Biodegradability of organic substances in the aquatic environment.
CRC Press. Boston, USA.
(3) Stover E.L, Kincannon D.F. (1983). Biological treatability of specific organic compounds found in
chemical industry waste waters. J. Wat. Pollut. Control Fed., 55, 97.
(4) ISO 10634 (1995) Water Quality - Guidance for the preparation and treatment of poorly
water-soluble organic compounds for the subsequent evaluation of their biodegradability in an
aqueous medium.
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ANNEX 6
EFFECTS OF SLUDGE RETENTION TIME (SRT) ON TREATABILITY OF CHEMICALS
INTRODUCTION
1. The method described in the main text was designed to ascertain whether the chemicals tested
(usually those known to be inherently, but not readily, biodegradable) can be biodegraded within the limits
imposed in waste water treatment plants. The results are expressed in terms of percentage removal and
percentage biodegradation. The conditions of operation of the activated sludge units and choice of influent
allow rather wide variations in concentration of the test chemical in the effluent. Tests are carried out at only
one nominal concentration of sludge solids or one nominal sludge retention time (SRT) and the sludge wastage
regimes described can cause the value of SRT to vary considerably during the test, both from day to day and
during a day.
2. In this variant (1)(2) the SRT is controlled within much narrower limits throughout each 24h period
(just as happens on the large-scale) which results in a more constant concentration in effluents. Domestic
sewage is recommended since it gives more consistent and higher percentage removals. Also, the effects of a
number of SRT values are investigated and in a more detailed study the effects of a range of temperatures on
effluent concentration may be determined.
3. There is no general agreement yet on which kinetic models operate when chemicals bio-degrade
under conditions in waste water treatment. The Monod model of bacterial growth and substrate utilisation was
chosen (1)(2) to be applied to the data collected, since the method was intended to be applied only to chemicals
produced in high tonnages, resulting in concentrations in sewage of above 1 mg/l. The validity of the
simplified model and the assumptions made was established using a series of alcohol ethoxylates having
varying degrees of primary biodegradability (2)(3).
Note. This variant method follows closely much of the text of 303 A and only those details which differ are
given hereafter.
4. Activated sludge porous-pot units, designed to facilitate the (almost) continuous wastage of mixed
liquor allowing very precise control of the sludge retention time (SRT, or s), are operated in the non-coupled
mode over a range of SRTs and, optionally, over a range of temperatures. The retention time is usually 2 to 10
days and the temperature between 5 and 20C. Sewage, preferably domestic, and a solution of the test
substance are dosed separately to the units at rates to give the required sewage retention time (3 to 6 hours) and
the required concentration of test substance in the influent. Control units receiving no test substance are
operated in parallel for comparative purposes.
5. Other types of apparatus can be used but great care should be exercised to ensure that good control of
SRT is achieved. For example, when using plants which incorporate a settler, allowance for loss of solids via
the plant effluent may be necessary. Further, special precautions to avoid errors due to variation in the
quantity of sludge in the settler should also be taken.
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6. The units are operated at each selected set of conditions and, after equilibrium has been reached, the
average steady state concentrations in the effluents of test substance and, optionally, DOC are obtained over a
period of about three weeks. Besides assessing the percentage removal of test substance and, optionally, DOC,
the relationship between plant-operating conditions and the concentration in the effluent is expressed in
graphical form. From this tentative kinetic constants may be calculated and the conditions under which the test
substance can be treated may be predicted.
7. 303 A, paragraphs 12 and 13 apply.
PASS LEVELS
REFERENCE TEST SUBSTANCE
9. 303 A, paragraph 16 apply.
DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD
Apparatus
11. A suitable unit is the modified porous pot system (Appendix 1). It consists of an inner vessel (or
liner) constructed from porous polypropylene of 3.2 mm thickness and pore size of approximately 90 m, the
joint being butt-welded. (This makes a more robust unit than that described in paragraph 21, 303 A). The
liner is fitted into an impervious polyethylene outer vessel, which consists of two parts: a circular base in
which holes are bored to accommodate two air lines and a sludge-wastage line, and an upper cylinder which
screws on to the base and which has an outlet placed so as to give a known volume (3 l) in the porous pot
vessel. One of the air lines is fitted with a diffuser stone and the other is open-ended and set at right-angles to
the stone in the pot. This system produces the necessary turbulence to ensure that the contents of the pot are
completely mixed, as well as providing concentrations of dissolved oxygen greater than 2 mg/l.
12. The appropriate number of units are maintained at controlled temperatures in the range of 5 to 20C
( 1C), either in water baths or in constant temperature rooms. Pumps are required to dose to the aeration
vessels the solution of the test substance and settled sewage at the required rates (0-1.0 ml/min and 0-
25 ml/min, respectively) and a third pump to remove waste sludge from the aeration vessels. The necessary
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very low flow-rate of waste sludge is achieved by using a pump set at a higher rate and operated intermittently
by the use of a timer-switch, e.g. operating for 10 seconds per min, pump delivery rate of 3ml/min yielding a
wastage rate of 0.5 ml/min.
Filtration apparatus or centrifuge
Analytical equipment
Water
Organic medium
Synthetic sewage
Domestic sewage
Activated sludge
Stock solutions of test substance
PROCEDURE
Preparation of the inoculum
21. 303 A, paragraph 34 apply only - use activated sludge (about 2.5 g/l).
Number of test units
22. For a simple test, ie. to measure percentage removal, only a single SRT is required, but in order to
acquire data necessary to calculate tentative kinetic constants 4 or 5 SRT values are required. Values between
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OECD/OCDE 303
2 and 10 days are usually chosen. Practically, it is convenient to perform a test at 4 or 5 SRTs simultaneously
at one temperature; in extended studies the same SRT values, or perhaps a different range of values, are used
at other temperatures within the range 5 to 20C. For primary biodegradation (the main use), only one unit per
set of conditions is normally required. However, for ultimate biodegradability a control unit is required, for
each set of conditions, which receives sewage but not test substance. If the test substance is thought to be
present in the sewage used, it would be necessary to use control units when assessing primary biodegradation,
and making the necessary correction in the calculations.
Dosage of organic medium and test substance
23. 303 A, paragraphs 36 to 39 apply, but note that the test substance solution is dosed separately and
that various sludge wastage rates are used. Also monitor and adjust, if necessary, to within  10%, the flow-
rates of influents, effluents and sludge wastage frequently, e.g. twice per day. If difficulties are encountered in
the analytical methods when domestic sewage is used, carry out the test with synthetic sewage, but it must be
assured that different media give comparable kinetic data.
Handling of activated sludge units
24. 303 A, paragraphs 40 to 43 apply, but control SRT only by “constant” wastage of sludge.
25. 303 A, paragraphs 44 to 50 apply, except that the concentration of the test substance is to be
determined and DOC determined optionally; COD should not be used.
DATA AND REPORTING
26. 303 A, paragraphs 52 to 54 apply.
27. 303 A, paragraphs 56 to 62 apply.
Calculation of kinetic constants
28. It is more realistic to quote the mean steady - state concentration of the test substance in the effluent
and to describe how this varies with plant-operating conditions than to quote percentage primary
biodegradation. This can be done by consideration of equation (6) in Appendix 2, which can yield values for
KS, m and SC, the critical sludge retention time.
(Alternatively, approximate values of KS and m may be obtained using a simple computer program to fit the
theoretical curve calculated from equation 2 (Appendix 2) to the experimental values obtained. Although any
given solution will not be unique, a reasonable approximation of KS and m can be obtained.)
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Variability of results
29. It is common experience that variable values of kinetic parameters for individual chemicals are
obtained. It is thought that the conditions under which the sludge has been grown, as well as the conditions
prevailing in the test used (as in paragraph 5 and in other tests), have a large effect on the resulting values.
One aspect of this variability has been discussed by Grady et al (4), who have suggested that the terms “extant”
and “intrinsic” should be applied to two extreme conditions representing the limits of physiological state a
culture may attain during a kinetic experiment. If the state is not allowed to change during the test, the kinetic
parameter values reflect the conditions in the environment from which the micro-organisms were taken; these
values are called “extant” or currently existing. At the other extreme, if conditions in the test are such as to
permit the full development of the protein-synthesizing system allowing maximum possible growth rate, the
kinetic parameters obtained are said to be “intrinsic”, and are dependent only on the nature of the substrate and
the types of bacteria in the culture. As a guide, extant values will be obtained by keeping the ratio of
concentration of substrate to competent micro-organisms (So/Xo) low, e.g. 0.025, and intrinsic values arise
when the ratio is high e.g. at least 20. In both cases, So should equal or exceed the relevant value of Ks, the
half-saturation constant.
30. Variability and other facets of biodegradation kinetics were discussed at a recent SETAC workshop
(5). From such studies, reported and projected, a clearer view of kinetics operating in waste water treatment
plants should be forth-coming to enable a better interpretation of existing data to be made, as well as to suggest
more relevant designs for future test guidelines.
References
(1) Birch R R (1982) The biodegradability of alcohol ethoxylates. XIII Jornado Com. Espanol Deterg.,
33-48.
(2) Birch R R (1984) Biodegradation of nonionic surfactants. J.A.O.C.S., 61(2) 340-343.
(3) Birch R R (1991) Prediction of the fate of detergent chemicals during sewage treatment. J. Chem.
Tech. Biotechnol., 50, 411-422.
(4) Grady, CPL. Smets, BF. and Barbeau DS. (1996). Variability in kinetic parameter estimates: A
review of possible causes and a proposed terminology. Wat. Res., 30 (3) 742-748
(5) Biodegradation kinetics: Generation and use of data for regulatory decision making (1997).
Workshop at Port Sunlight, UK. Eds. Hales, SG. Feitjel, T. King, H. Fox, K. and Verstraete, W.
4-6th Sept. 1996. SETAC- Europe, Brussels.
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Appendix 1
Porous Pot with SRT Control
Test Compound
Influent
Plastic outer
vessel
Porous polypropylene Effluent

liner
Seal Diffuser stone

Screw thread
Solid plastic base
Air supply Water sludge
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Appendix 2
Calculation of Kinetic Constants
1. By assuming Monod kinetics apply and considering a mass balance of active solids and substrate
across the activated sludge system (1), the following steady state expressions can be obtained:
1  m  S1
  Kd [1]
s K s  S1
or
K s  ( 1  K d  s )
S1  [2]
 s ( m  K d )  1
where S1 = concentration of substrate in effluent, (mg/l)

KS = half-saturation constant, the concentration at which  = m/2 (mg/l)
 = specific growth rate (d -1)
m = maximum value of m(d -1)
Kd = specific decay rate of active solids (d -1)
S = sludge mean retention time, SRT (d)
Examination of this equation leads to the following conclusions:
(i) The effluent concentration is independent of that in the influent (S o); hence, the percentage
biodegradation varies with the influent concentration, So.
(ii) The only plant-control parameter affecting S1 is the sludge retention time, S.
(iii) For a given concentration in the influent, So, there will be a critical sludge retention time, such that:
1  s  S0
  Kd [3]
 sc Ks  S0
where SC = critical sludge retention time, below which the competent micro-organisms will be
washed out of the plant.
(iv) Since the other parameters in equation (2) are associated with growth kinetics, temperature is likely
to affect the effluent substrate level and the critical sludge age, ie. the sludge retention time needed to
obtain a certain degree of treatment would increase with decreasing temperature.
2. From a mass balance of solids in the porous pot system, and assuming that the solids concentration in
the plant effluent, X2 is low compared with that in the aeration vessel, X1, the sludge retention time
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V. X 1
s  [4]
(Q 0  Q 1 )  X 2  Q 1  X 1
and
V  X1 V
s  
Q1  X1 Q1
where V =volume of the aeration vessel (l)
X1 = concentration of solids in aeration vessel (mg/l)
X2 = concentration of solids in effluent (mg/l)
QO = flow rate of influent (l/d)
Q1 = flow rate of waste sludge (l/d)
Thus, it is possible to control the sludge retention time at any pre-selected value by the control of the waste
sludge flow rate, Q1.
Conclusions
3. The main purpose of the test is thus to allow the effluent concentration, and hence the levels of test
substance in the receiving waters, to be predicted.
4. By plotting S1, vs. S, the critical sludge retention time, SC, can sometimes be readily evaluated, eg.
curve 3 in Figure 1. When this is not possible, SC may be calculated, together with approximate values of m
and KS, by plotting S1, vs. S1•S.
Rearrangement of equation (1) gives
S1  s K S
 s  1 [5]
1 s  Kd m m
If Kd is small, then 1 + s  Kd  1 and [5] becomes:
Ks S1
S1  s   [6]
m m
Thus, the plot should be a straight line (see Figure 2) of slope 1/m and intercept KS/m; also S ~1/m.
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Figure 1: Three temperatures; Five SRTs
10 x
8 CURVE 3: 5oC
Effluent concentration (mg/l)
6 CURVE 2: 10oC
x
4 CURVE 1: 15oC
x
x
2 x
x x
SRT x x x
x x x
c x x
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
SRT - Days
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Figure 2: Regression Line SRT · S1 vs S1 at T = 5o C
30
SRT*Effluent concentration 1S
25
20
X
15 µMax: 0.3
Ks: 1
10
X
5
X
X
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
Effluent concentration (S1) (mg/l)
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ANNEX 7
TEST AT LOW (g/l) CONCENTRATION RANGE
1. Many chemicals are normally present in the aquatic environment, even in waste waters, at very low
concentrations (g/l). At such concentrations, they probably do not serve as primary substrates resulting in
growth, but are more likely to degrade as non-growth, secondary substrates, concurrent with a variety of
naturally occurring carbon compounds. Consequently the degradations of such chemicals will not fit the
model described in Annex 6. There are many models which could be applied and, under the conditions
prevailing in waste water treatment systems, more than one may be simultaneously operative. Far more
research will be necessary to elucidate this problem.
2. Meanwhile the procedure given in the main text (303A) can be followed, but only for primary
biodegradability, using suitably low concentrations (<100 g/l) and a validated analytical procedure. The
percentage biodegradation may be calculated (see para. 54 of the guideline) provided that abiotic processes
(adsorption, volatility, etc.) are taken into account. An example is the study by Nyholm and his associates
(1)(2) using a 4 h cycle in a fill and draw system. They reported pseudo first-order constants for 5 chemicals
added in a synthetic sewage at 5 to 100 g/l. (For ultimate biodegradability 14C-labelled test substances may
be used. A description of this is beyond the scope of this Guideline since there are as yet no agreed
procedures, though a proposed method for ISO standard 14592 (3) contains guidance on the use of 14C-labelled
substances.
SCAS test
3. Later, a simpler two-stage test was proposed (4)(5)(6); the semi-continuous activated sludge (SCAS)
method is followed by short-term kinetic tests on samples withdrawn from the SCAS units. The SCAS system
is operated with known sludge wastage rates (unlike the original 302 A method) and is fed a modified OECD
synthetic sewage or domestic sewage. The synthetic sewage was modified (because of changing pH value and
poor sludge settleability) by addition of phosphate as buffer, yeast extract, iron (III) chloride and trace element
salts, and its COD was increased to about 750 mg/l by increasing the concentration of peptone and meat
extract. The units were operated on a 24 h cycle: aeration for 23 h, wastage of sludge, settlement, withdrawal
of supernatant (effluent) followed by addition of synthetic sewage plus test substance, up to 100 g/l, (i.e. at
about the same concentration used in the short term test). Once per week 10% of the total sludge was replaced
by fresh sludge in order to maintain a balanced microbial population.
4. The concentrations of test substance initially and at the end of aeration are measured and the test is
continued until a constant removal of test substance is attained; this takes from one week to several months.
Short-term test
5. A short test (e.g. 8 hours) is applied to determine the (pseudo) first order kinetic rate constant for the
decay of the test substance in activated sludge of known but different origins and histories. In particular,
sludge samples are taken from the SCAS reactors - at the end of an aeration period when the concentration of
organic substrate is low - during the course of an acclimatisation experiment (paragraphs 3, 4). Sludge may
also be taken from a parallel SCAS unit not exposed to the test substance, for comparison. Mixtures of sludge
and the test substance added at two or more concentrations in the range 1-50 g/l are aerated, without the
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addition of synthetic sewage or other organic substrate. The test substance remaining in solution is determined
at regular intervals e.g. hourly depending on the degradability of the substance, for a period not longer than
24h. Samples are centrifuged before appropriate analysis.
Calculations
6. Data from the SCAS units are used to calculate the percentage removal of test substance
(paragraph 54). Also, an average rate constant, K1, (normalised for concentration of suspended solids) can be
calculated from:
Ce 1/SS (l/g h)
K1 = 1 t ln 
Ci
where t = aeration time (23h)

Ce = concentration at end of aeration period (g/l)
Ci = concentration at beginning of aeration (g/l)
SS = concentration of activated sludge solids (g/l)
7. In the short term test the log.% concentration remaining is plotted against time and the slope of the
initial part (10-50% degradation) of the plot is equivalent to K1, the (pseudo) first order constant. The constant
is normalised with respect to the concentration of sludge solids by dividing the slope by the concentration of
sludge solids. The reported result must also include details of initial concentrations of the test substance and
suspended solids, sludge retention time, sludge loading and source, and details of pre-exposure (if any) to the
test substance.
Variability of results
8. Variability and other facets of biodegradation kinetics were discussed at a recent SETAC workshop
(7). From such studies, reported and projected, a clearer view of kinetics operating in waste water treatment
plants should be forth-coming to enable a better interpretation of existing data to be made, as well as to suggest
more relevant designs for future test guidelines.
References
(1) Nyholm, N. Jacobsen, BN. Pedersen, BM. Poulsen, O. Dambourg, A. and Schultz, B. (1992)
Removal of micropollutants in laboratory activated sludge reactors. Biodegradability. Wat. Res., 26,
339-353.
(2) Jacobsen, BN. Nyholm, N. Pedersen, BM. Poulsen O, and Ostfeldt, P. (1993). Removal of organic
micropollutants in laboratory activated sludge reactors under various operating conditions: Sorption.
Wat. Res., 27, 1505-1510.
(3) ISO 14592 (ISO/TC 147/ SC5/ WG4, N264) (1998). Water Quality - Evaluation of the aerobic
biodegradability of organic compounds at low concentrations in water.
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(4) Nyholm, N. Ingerslev, F. Berg, UT. Pedersen, JP and Frimer-Larsen H. (1996) Estimation of
kinetic rate constants for biodegradation of chemicals in activated sludge waste water treatment
plants using short-term batch experiments and g/l range spiked concentrations Chemosphere 33 (5)
851-864.
(5) Berg U.T. and Nyholm, N. (1996). Biodegradability simulation Studies in semi-continuous activated
sludge reactors with low (µg/l range) and standard (ppm range) chemical concentrations.
Chemosphere 33 (4) 711-735.
(6) Danish Environmental Protection Agency. (1996). Activated sludge biodegradability simulation test.
Environmental Project, No. 337. Nyholm, N. Berg, UT. Ingerslev, F. Min. of Env. and Energy,
Copenhagen.
(7) Biodegradation kinetics: Generation and use of data for regulatory decision making (1997).
Workshop at Port Sunlight, UK. Eds. Hales, SG. Feitjel, T. King, H. Fox, K. and Verstraete, W.
4-6th Sept. 1996. SETAC- Europe, Brussels.
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303 B: Biofilms
INTRODUCTION
1. Simulation tests are normally applied to chemicals which have failed a screening test for ready
biodegradability (301 A to F), but have passed a test for inherent biodegradability. Exceptionally simulation
tests are also applied to any substance about which more information is required, especially high-tonnage
chemicals, and normally the activated sludge test is applied (303 A). In some circumstances, however, specific
information is required relating the behaviour of a chemical to methods of waste water treatment involving
biofilms, namely, percolating or trickling filters, rotating biological contactors, fluidised beds. To meet this
need various devices have been developed.
2. Gerike et al (1) used large, pilot-scale trickling filters which they used in the coupled mode. These
filters took up much space and required relatively large volumes of sewage or synthetic sewage. Truesdale et
al (2) described smaller filters (6 ft x 6 in. diameter) which were fed surfactant-free natural sewage but still
required rather large volumes. As many as 14 weeks were required for the development of a "mature" biofilm
and an additional 4-8 weeks were needed after first introduction of the test surfactant before acclimatisation
took place.
3. Baumann et al (3) developed a much smaller filter which used polyester "fleece" previously steeped
in activated sludge as the inert medium supporting the biofilm. The test substance was used as the sole source
of carbon and biodegradability was assessed from measurements of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the
influent and effluent, and from the amount of CO2 in the exit gas.
4. A quite different approach was made by Gloyna et al (4) who invented the rotating tubular reactor.
On the internal surface of the rotating tube a biofilm was grown on the known surface area by passage of
influent introduced at the top end of the tube, inclined at a small angle to the horizontal. The reactor has been
used to study the biodegradability of surfactants (5), as well as to investigate the optimal thickness of biofilm
and diffusion through the film (6). These latter authors further developed the reactor, including modifying it to
be able to determine CO2 in the exit gas.
5. The rotating tubular reactor has been adopted by the Standing Committee of Analysts (UK) as a
standard method for assessing both the biodegradability of chemicals (7) and the treatability and toxicity of
waste waters (8). The method described here has the advantages of simplicity, compactness, reproducibility
and the need for relatively small volumes of organic medium.
6. Synthetic or domestic sewage, and the test substance, in admixture or alone, are applied to the
internal surface of a slowly rotating inclined tube. A layer of microorganisms, similar to those present on
bio-filter media, is built up on the internal surface. The conditions of operation of the reactor are chosen to
give adequate elimination of organic matter and, if required, oxidation of ammonium.
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7. Effluent from the tube is collected and either settled and/or filtered before analysis for dissolved
organic carbon (DOC) and/or the test substance by a specific method. Control units receiving no test substance
are operated in parallel under the same conditions for comparative purposes. The difference between the
concentrations of DOC in the effluent from the test and control units is assumed to be due to the test substance
and its organic metabolites. This difference is compared with the concentration of the added test substance (as
DOC) to calculate the elimination of the test substance.
8. Biodegradation may normally be distinguished from bio-adsorption by careful examination of the

elimination-time curve. Confirmation may usually be obtained by applying a test for ready biodegradation
(oxygen uptake or carbon dioxide production) using an acclimated inoculum taken at the end of the test from
the reactors receiving the test substance.
9. The purity, water solubility, volatile and adsorption characteristics of the test substance should be
known to enable correct interpretation of results to be made.
10. Normally, volatile and poorly soluble substances cannot be tested unless special precautions are
taken (see Annex 5, 303 A). The chemical structure, or at least the empirical formula, should also be known in
order to calculate theoretical values and/or to check measured values of parameters, e.g. theoretical oxygen
demand (ThOD), DOC.
11. Information on the toxicity of the test substance to micro-organisms (see Annex 4, 303 A) may be
useful for selecting appropriate test concentrations and may be essential for the correct interpretation of low
biodegradation values.
PASS LEVELS
12. Originally, the primary biodegradation of surfactants was required to reach 80% or more before the
substance could be marketed. If the value of 80% is not attained, this simulation (confirmatory) test may be
applied and the surfactant may be marketed only if more than 90% of the specific substance is removed. With
chemicals in general there is no question of a pass/fail level and the value of percentage removed can be used
in proximate calculations of the probable environmental concentration to be used in hazard assessments posed
by chemicals. In a number of studies of pure chemicals the percentage removal of DOC was found to be >90%
in more than three-quarters, and >80% in over 90%, of chemicals which showed any significant degree of
biodegradability.
REFERENCE SUBSTANCES
13. To ensure that the experimental procedure is being carried out correctly, it is useful occasionally to
test reference compounds whose behaviour is known. Such compounds include adipic acid, 2-phenyl phenol,
1-naphthol, diphenic acid and 1-naphthoic acid.
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14. The relative standard deviation within tests was found by a laboratory in the UK to be 3.5% and
between tests to be 5% (7).
DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD
Apparatus
Rotating tubular reactors
15. The apparatus (see figures 1 and 2 in the Annex) consists of a bank of acrylic tubes each 30.5 cm
long and 5 cm internal diameter, supported on rubber-rimmed wheels contained within a metal supporting
frame. Each tube has an outside lip, approximately 0.5 cm deep, to retain it on the wheels, the internal surface
is roughened with coarse wire wool and there is a 0.5 cm deep internal lip at the upper (feed) end to retain the
liquid. The tubes are inclined at an angle of approximately one degree to the horizontal to achieve the required
contact time when the test medium is applied to a clean tube. The rubber-tyred wheels are rotated using a
slow, variable-speed motor. The temperature of the tubes is controlled by installation in a constant temperature
room.
16. By enclosing each tube reactor inside a slightly larger, capped tube and ensuring that connections
were gas-tight, exit CO2 gas could be collected in an alkaline solution for subsequent measurement (6).
17. A 24h supply, for each tube, of organic medium with added test substance if applicable, is contained
in a 20 l storage vessel (A)(see Figure 2). If required, the test substance solution may be dosed separately.
Near the bottom of each storage vessel there is an outlet which is connected by suitable tubing, e.g. silicone
rubber, via a peristaltic pump (B) to a glass or acrylic delivery tube which enters 2-4 cm into the higher (feed)
end of the inclined tube (C). Effluent is allowed to drip from the lower end of the inclined tube to be collected
in another storage vessel (D). The effluent is settled or filtered before analysis.
Filtration apparatus-centrifuge
18. Device for filtration of samples with membranes filter of suitable porosity (nominal aperture diameter
0.45 m) which adsorb organic compounds or release organic carbon to a minimum degree. If filters are used
which release organic carbon, wash them carefully with hot water to remove leachable organic carbon.
Alternatively a centrifuge capable of achieving 40,000 m/sec2 may be used.
19. Analytical equipment for determining:
- DOC/total organic carbon (TOC), or chemical oxygen demand (COD);

- specific substance (HPLC, GC etc.) if required;
- pH, temperature, acidity, alkalinity;
- ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, if the tests are performed under nitrifying conditions.
Water
20. Tap water, containing less than 3 mg/l DOC.
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21. Distilled or deionised water, containing less than 2 mg/l DOC.
Organic medium
22. Synthetic sewage, domestic sewage or a mixture of both may be used as the organic medium. It has
been shown that the use of domestic sewage alone often gives increased percentage removed of DOC (in
activated sludge units) and even allows the biodegradation of some chemicals which are not biodegraded when
OECD synthetic sewage is used. Thus, the use of domestic sewage is recommended. Measure the DOC (or
COD) concentration in each new batch of organic medium. The acidity or alkalinity of the organic medium
should be known. The medium may require the addition of a suitable buffer (sodium hydrogen carbonate or
potassium hydrogen phosphate), if it is of low acidity or alkalinity, to maintain a pH of about 7.5 + 0.5 in the
reactor during the test. The amount of buffer, and when to add it, has to be decided in each individual case.
Synthetic sewage
23. Dissolve in each 1 litre of tap water: peptone, 160 mg; meat extract, 110 mg; urea, 30 mg; anhydrous
dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, (KH2PO4), 28 mg; sodium chloride, (NaCl), 7 mg; calcium chloride
dihydrate, (CaCl2.2H2O), 4 mg; magnesium sulphate heptahydrate, (MgSO4.7H2O), 2 mg. This OECD
synthetic sewage is an example and gives a mean DOC concentration in the influent of about 100 mg/l.
Alternatively, use other compositions, with about the same DOC concentrations, which are closer to real
sewage. This synthetic sewage may be made up in distilled water in a concentrated form and stored at about 1
°C for up to one week. When needed, dilute with tap water. (This medium is unsatisfactory e.g. nitrogen
concentration is very high, relatively low carbon content, but nothing better has been suggested, except to add
more phosphate, as buffer, and extra peptone).
Domestic sewage
24. Use fresh settled sewage collected daily from a treatment works receiving predominantly domestic
sewage. It should be collected from the overflow channel of the primary sedimentation tank, or from the feed
to activated sludge plant, and be largely free from coarse particles. The sewage can be used after storage for
several days at about 4 °C, if it is proved that the DOC (or COD) has not significantly decreased (i.e. by less
than 20%) during storage. In order to limit disturbances to the system, the DOC (or COD) of each new batch
should be adjusted before use to an appropriate constant value, e.g. by dilution with tap water.
Lubricant
25. Glycerol or olive oil may be used for lubricating the peristaltic pump rollers: both are suitable for use
on silicone-rubber tubing.
Stocks solutions of test substance
26. For substances of adequate solubility prepare stock solutions at appropriate concentrations (e.g. 1 to
5 g/l) in deionised water or in the mineral portion of the synthetic sewage. For insoluble substances, see Annex
5 in guideline 303 A. This method is not suitable for volatile substances without modifications to the tubular
reactors (paragraph 16). Determine the DOC and TOC of the stock solution and repeat the measurements for
each new batch. If the difference between the DOC and TOC is greater than 20%, check the water-solubility of
the test substance. Compare the DOC or the concentration of the test substance measured by specific analysis
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of the stock solution with the nominal value to ascertain whether recovery is good enough (normally >90% can
be expected). Ascertain, especially for dispersions, whether or not DOC can be used as an analytical parameter
or if only an analytical technique specific for the test substance can be used. Centrifugation of the samples is
required for dispersions. For each new batch, measure the DOC, COD or the test substance with specific
analysis.
27. Determine the pH of the stock solution. Extreme values indicate that the addition of the substance
may have an influence on the pH of the activated sludge in the test system. In this case neutralise the stock
solution to obtain a pH of 7 ± 0.5 with small amounts of inorganic acid or base, but avoid precipitation of the
test substance.
PROCEDURE
Preparation of organic medium for dosing
28. Ensure that all influent and effluent containers and tubing from influent vessels and to effluent
vessels are thoroughly cleaned to remove microbial growths, initially and throughout the test.
29. Prepare the synthetic sewage (paragraph 23) freshly each day either from the solids or from the
concentrated stock solution by appropriate dilution with tap water. Measure the required amount in a cylinder
and add to a clean influent vessel. Also, where necessary, add the required amount of the stock solution of the
test substance or reference substance to the synthetic sewage before dilution. If it is more convenient or
necessary to avoid loss of the test substance, prepare a separate diluted solution of the test substance in a
separate reservoir and deliver this to the inclined tubes via a different dosing pump.
30. Alternatively (and preferably), use settled domestic sewage (paragraph 24) collected freshly each day
if possible.
Operation of rotating tubular reactors
31. Two identical tubular reactors are required for the assessment of one test substance, and they are
assembled in a constant temperature room normally at 22 ± 2 °C.
32. Adjust the peristaltic pumps to deliver 250 ± 25 ml/h of the organic medium (without test substance)
into the inclined tubes, which are rotated at 18 ± 2 rpm. Apply the lubricant (paragraph 25) to the pump tubes
initially and periodically through the test to ensure proper functioning and to prolong the life of the tubing.
33. Adjust the angle of inclination of the tubes to the horizontal to produce a residence time of 125 ± 12.5
sec. for the feed in a clean tube. Estimate the retention time by adding a non-biological marker (e.g. NaCl,
inert dye) to the feed: the time taken to reach peak concentration in the effluent is taken to be the mean
retention time (when maximum film is present, the retention time can increase up to about 30 min.).
34. These rates, speeds and times have been found to give adequate removals (>80%) of DOC (or COD)
and to produce nitrified effluents. The rate of flow should be changed if removal is insufficient or if the
performance of a particular treatment plant is to be simulated. In the latter case, adjust the rate of dosing the
organic medium until the performance of the reactor matches that of the treatment plant.
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Inoculation
35. Airborne inoculation may be sufficient to start the growth of micro-organisms when synthetic sewage
is used, but otherwise add 1 ml/l of settled sewage to the feed for 3 days.
Measurements
36. At regular intervals check that the dose-rates and rotating speeds are within the required limits. Also,
measure the pH of the effluent, especially if nitrification is expected.
37. The method, pattern and frequency of sampling are chosen to suit the purpose of the test. For
example, take snap (or grab) samples of influent and effluent, or collect samples over a longer period e.g. 3-6
h. In the first period, without test substance, take samples twice per week. Filter the samples through
membranes or centrifuge at about 40,000 m/sec2 for about 15 min (paragraph 18). It may be necessary to settle
and/or coarse-filter the samples before membrane filtration. Determine DOC (or COD) at least in duplicate
and if required BOD, ammonium and nitrite/nitrate.
38. All analyses should be performed as soon as possible after collection and preparation of the samples.
If analyses have to be postponed, store the samples at about 4oC in the dark in full, tightly stoppered bottles. If
samples have to be stored for more than 48h, preserve them by deep-freezing, acidification or by addition of a
suitable toxic substance (e.g. 20 ml/l of a 10 g/l solution of mercury (II) chloride). Ensure that the preservation
technique does not influence the results of analysis.
Running-in period
39. In this period, the surface biofilm grows to reach an optimal thickness, usually taking about 2 weeks
and should not exceed 6 weeks. The removal (paragraph 44) of DOC (or COD) increases and reaches a plateau
value. When the plateau has been reached at a similar value in both tubes, one is selected to be a control in the
remainder of the test, during which their performance should remain consistent.
Introduction of test substance
40. At this stage add the test substance to the other reactor at the required concentration, usually 10-20
mg C/l. The control continues to receive the organic medium alone.
Acclimation period
41. Continue the twice weekly analyses for DOC (or COD) and, if primary biodegradability is to be
assessed, also measure the concentration of the test substance by specific analysis. Allow from one to six
weeks (or longer under special conditions) after the test substance has first been introduced for acclimation to
occur. When the percentage removal (paragraphs 43-45) reaches a maximum value, obtain 12-15 valid values
in the plateau phase over about 3 weeks for evaluation of the mean percentage removal. The test is considered
completed if a sufficiently high degree of elimination is reached. Normally, do not exceed a test duration of
more than 12 weeks after the first addition of the test substance.
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Sloughing of the film
42. The sudden removal of large quantities of excess film from the tubes, or sloughing, takes place at
relatively regular intervals. To ensure that the comparability of results is unaffected, allow tests to cover at
least two full cycles of growing and sloughing.
DATA AND REPORTING
43. Calculate the percentage DOC (or COD) elimination of the test substance for each timed assessment
using the equation:
Dt = 100 [Cs - (E - Eo)]/ Cs %
where Dt = percentage elimination of DOC (or COD) at time t;

Cs = concentration of DOC (or COD) in the influent due to the test substance, preferably estimated
from the concentration in, and volume added, of the stock solution (mg/l);
E = measured DOC (or COD) in the test effluent at time t (mg/l);
Eo = measured DOC (or COD) in the control effluent at time t (mg/l).
Repeat the calculation for the reference substance, if tested.
Performance of the control reactor
44. The degree of DOC (or COD) elimination (DB) of the organic medium in the control reactors is
helpful information in assessing the biodegradative activity of the biofilm during the test. Calculate the
percentage elimination from the equation:
DB = 100 (1 - Eo/Cm) %
where Cm = DOC (or COD) of the organic medium in the control influent (mg/l).
45. Calculate the removal (DST) of the test substance, if measured, by a specific analytical method at each
time assessment from the equation:
DST = 100 (1 - Se/ Si) %
where Si = measured or, preferably, estimated concentration of test substance in the test influent
(mg/l)
Se = measured test substance concentration in the test effluent at time t (mg/l)
If the analytical method gives a positive value in unamended sewage equivalent to S c mg/l, calculate
the percentage removal (DSC) from:
DSC = 100 (Si - Se + Sc)/( Si + Sc) %
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46. Plot the percentage elimination Dt and DST (or DSC), if available, versus time (see Annex 2 in 303 A).
Take the mean (expressed to the nearest whole number) and standard deviation of the 12-15 values for DT (and
for DST, if available) obtained in the plateau phase as the percentage removal of the test substance. From the
shape of the elimination curve, some conclusions may be drawn about the removal processes.
Adsorption
47. If a high DOC elimination of the test substance is observed at the beginning of the test, the test
substance is probably eliminated by adsorption on to the biofilm. It may be possible to prove this by
determining the adsorbed test substance on solids sloughed from the film. It is not usual for the elimination of
the DOC of adsorbable substances to remain high throughout the test; normally, there is an initial high degree
of removal which gradually falls to an equilibrium value. If, however, the adsorbed test substance was able to
cause acclimation of the microbial population, the elimination of the test substance DOC would subsequently
increase and reach a high, plateau level.
Lag phase
48. As in static, screening tests many test substances require a lag phase before full biodegradation
occurs. In the lag phase, acclimation (or adaptation) of the competent bacteria takes place with almost no
removal of the test substance; then the initial growth of these bacteria occurs. This phase ends and the
degradation phase is arbitrarily taken to begin when about 10% of the initial amount of test substance is
removed (after allowing for adsorption, if it occurs). The lag phase is often highly variable and poorly
reproducible.
Plateau phase
49. The plateau phase of an elimination curve in a continuous test is defined as that phase in which the
maximum degradation takes place. This phase should last at least 3 weeks and have about 12-15 measured
valid values.
Mean degree of elimination of the test substance
50. Calculate the mean value from the elimination values Dt (and Dst, if available) of the test substance at
the plateau phase. Rounded to the nearest whole number (1%), it is the degree of elimination of the test
substance. It is also recommended to calculate the 95% confidence interval of the mean value. In a similar
way calculate the mean degree (DB) of elimination of the organic medium in the control vessel.
Indication of biodegradation
51. If the test substance does not adsorb significantly on to the biofilm and the elimination curve has a
typical shape of a biodegradation curve with lag, degradation and plateau phases (paragraphs 48, 49), the
measured elimination can safely be attributed to biodegradation. If a high initial removal has taken place, the
simulation test cannot differentiate between biological and abiotic elimination processes. In such cases, and in
other cases where there is any doubt about biodegradation (e.g. if stripping takes place), analyse adsorbed test
substance on samples of the film or perform additional static (screening) tests for biodegradability based on
parameters clearly indicating biological processes. Such tests are the oxygen uptake methods (301 C, 301 D
46/50
OECD/OCDE 303
and 301 F) (9) or a test which measures CO2 production (301 B or the Headspace method) (10); use as
inoculum pre-exposed biofilm from the appropriate reactor.
52. If both the DOC removal and specific substance removal have been measured, significant differences
(the former being lower than the latter) between the percentages removed indicate the presence in the effluents
of intermediate organic products which may be more difficult to degrade; these should be investigated.
Validity of test results
53. Consider the test to be valid if the degree of DOC (or COD) elimination (D B) in the control units is
>80% after 2 weeks operation and no unusual observations have been made.
54. If a readily biodegradable (reference) substance has been tested, the degree of biodegradation should
be >90% and the difference between duplicate values should not be greater than 5%. If these two criteria are
not met, review the experimental procedures and/or obtain domestic sewage from another source.
55. Similarly, differences between biodegradation values from duplicate units (if used) treating a test
substance should not differ by more than 5%. If this criterion is not met but the removals are high, continue
analysis for a further three weeks. If removal is low, investigate the inhibitory effects of the test substance if
not known and repeat the test at a lower concentration of test substance, if that is feasible.
Test Report
56. The test report must include the following:
Test substance:
- identification data;
- physical nature and, where relevant, physico-chemical properties.
Test conditions:
- any modifications to test system, especially if insolubles or volatiles tested;

- type of organic medium;
- proportion and nature of industrial wastes in sewage, if used and if known;
- method of inoculation;
- test substance stock solution - DOC (dissolved organic carbon) and TOC (total organic
carbon) content; how prepared, if suspension; test concentration(s) used, reasons if outside
range 10-20 mg/l DOC; method of addition; date first added; any changes in concentration;
- mean hydraulic retention time (with no growth); rotational speed of tube; approximate angle
of inclination, if possible;
- details of sloughing; time and intensity;
- test temperature and range;
- analytical techniques employed.
Test results:
- all measured data DOC, COD, specific analyses, pH, temperature, N compounds, if relevant;
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303 OECD/OCDE
- all calculated date of Dt (or Dtc), DB, Ds obtained in tabular form and elimination curves;
- information on lag and plateau phases, test duration, the degree of elimination of the test
substance, of the reference substance (if tested) and of the organic medium (in the control
unit), together with statistical data and statements of biodegradability and validity of the test;
- discussion of results.
LITERATURE
(1) Gerike P, Fischer W, Holtmann W (1980). Biodegradability determinations in trickling filter units
compared with the OECD Confirmatory Test. Wat. Res., 14, 753-758.
(2) Truesdale GA, Jones K, Vandyke KG (1959). Removal of synthetic detergents in sewage treatment
processes: Trials of a new biologically attackable material.Wat. Waste Tr. J., 7, 441-444.
(3) Baumann U, Kuhn G and Benz M. (1998) Einfache Versuchsanordnung zur Gewinnung
gewässerökologisch relevanter Daten, UWSF - Z. Umweltchem. Ökotox., 10, 214-220.
(4) Gloyna EF, Comstock RF, Renn CE (1952). Rotary tubes as experimental trickling filters. Sewage ind.
Waste, 24, 1355-1357.
(5) Kumke GW, Renn CE (1966). LAS removal across an institutional trickling filter. JAOCS, 43, 92-94.
(6) Tomlinson TG, Snaddon DHM, (1966). Biological oxidation of sewage by films of micro-organisms.
Int.J. Air Wat. Pollut., 10, 865-881.
(7) Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (1982). Methods for the examination of waters and associated
materials. Assessment of biodegradability, 1981, London.
(8) Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (1984). Methods for the examination of waters and associated
materials. Methods for assessing the treatability of chemicals and industrial waste waters and their
toxicity to sewage treatment processes, 1982, London.
(9) OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals (1993). Ready Biodegradability 301 A-F.
(10) ISO 14593 (1998) Water Quality-Evaluation in an aqueous medium of the ultimate biodegradability of
organic compounds. Method by analysis of released inorganic carbon in sealed vessels. 14pp.
48/50
OECD/OCDE 303
ANNEX
Figure 1: Rotating tubes
49/50
303 OECD/OCDE
Figure 2
Flow diagram
A: Feed Tank
B: Peristaltic Pump
C: Rotating Tube D
D: Effluent Collection Vessel
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OECD/OCDE 303

OECD GUIDELINE FOR THE TESTING OF CHEMICALS

Simulation Test - Aerobic Sewage Treatment:

303 A: Activated Sludge Units

Activated sludge units

PRINCIPLE OF THE TEST

INFORMATION ON THE TEST SUBSTANCE

REPRODUCIBILITY OF TEST RESULTS

DESCRIPTION OF THE TEST METHOD

Filtration apparatus or centrifuge

24. Apparatus required to determine:

26. Deionised water, containing less than 2 mg/l DOC.

Stock solutions of test substance

Preparation of the inoculum

Dosage of organic medium

Dosage of test substance

Handling of activated sludge

Sampling and analysis

Coupling of test units

DATA AND REPORTING

where Dt = % elimination of DOC or COD at time t

where DT = % elimination of total test influent DOC or COD

where DST = % primary elimination of test substance at time t

Expression of test results

Mean degree of elimination of test substance

Elimination of organic medium

Validity of test results

67. The test report must include the following:

- analytical techniques employed;

(5) Eckenfelder, W.W (19) [to come from USEPA].

(9) OECD Test Guideline 303A, Paris (1981).

(12) Birch, R R (1984) Biodegradation of noniomic surfactants. J.A.O.C.S., 61 (2) 340-343.

Figure 1: Equipment used for assessment of biodegradability

A. Storage vessel E. Air lift pump

Figure 2: Equipment used for assessment of biodegradability

A. Storage vessel E. Collection vessel

Figure 3: Details of 3 litre porous pot aeration vessel

Internal diameter of porous pot

EXAMPLE OF AN ELIMINATION CURVE

Polyethylene glycol 400

COUPLING OF THE TEST UNITS

D tc = ( Dt - 100 • a • r / 12) / (1 – a • r / 12) %

where D tc = corrected % DOC or COD elimination

EVALUATION OF INHIBITION OF THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE

5. Calculation of degree of inhibition:

where: Rc = percentage removal in the control vessels

POORLY WATER-SOLUBLE TEST SUBSTANCES - VOLATILE SUBSTANCES

Poorly water soluble substances

where RVP = removal of test substance by volatilisation (%),

where Rv = removal of test substance by volatilisation in biological test (%),

where SE = concentration of test substance in the (liquid) effluent (mg/l).

Sludge retention time = 4 days

A synthetic sewage; retention time = 8h

SIP = SI = 150 mg/l

Thus, RVP = 100%, R V = 15%

Benzene was assumed not to be adsorbed onto sludge.

EFFECTS OF SLUDGE RETENTION TIME (SRT) ON TREATABILITY OF CHEMICALS

PRINCIPLE OF THE TEST

INFORMATION ON THE TEST SUBSTANCE

7. 303 A, paragraphs 12 and 13 apply.