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Environmental fate & pathways

Biodegradation in soil

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Description of key information

Tests for evaluating biodegradation in soil are not warranted given the available data that the study substance is extensively biodegraded to >60% in the OECD ready biodegradability studies. Little additional information can be gained with testing since rapid mineralization in the soil environment  is assumed for materials that are biodegraded to >60% in the OECD 301 tests.  

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Additional information

Analogous to exceptions allotted for readily biodegradable materials (>60% biodegradation in 28 days)(see Column 2 of Annex IX), simulation testing for biodegradation in soil is not expected to be required for the study substance because it is biodegraded to >60% in OECD ready biodegradation test. Also as pointed out in the REACH guidance document, Chapter R7b, the testing in soil is not be expected to provide any additional information since rapid mineralization in the environment is already assumed for substances that are extensively or readily biodegradable (>60% in 28 days or longer). Hence, the study substance, being biodegradable to >60% in freshwater, is expected to be rapidly and extensively biodegraded in the environment including under simulated conditions (i.e., wastewater treatment) (ECHA 2008b).