ISO 22403:2020
Plastics — Assessment of the intrinsic biodegradability of materials exposed to marine inocula under mesophilic aerobic laboratory conditions — Test methods and requirements
Plastics — Assessment of the intrinsic biodegradability of materials exposed to marine inocula under mesophilic aerobic laboratory conditions — Test methods and requirements
- Статус документа:
- Действующий
- Формат:
- Электронный (PDF)
- Количество страниц:
- 5
- Дата публикации:
- 16 апреля 2020 г.
- Издание:
- ISO IS 22403 edition 1 version 1
- ICS:
- 13.020.40
This document specifies test methods and criteria for showing intrinsic biodegradability in marine environments of virgin plastic materials and polymers without any preliminary environmental exposure or pre-treatment. Test methods applied in this document are carried out at temperatures in the mesophilic range under aerobic conditions and are aimed to show ultimate biodegradability, i.e. conversion into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. This document neither assesses the constituents, such as regulated metals or substances hazardous to the environment, nor potential ecotoxic effects but intrinsic biodegradability only. These aspects will be considered in a separate standard covering the overall environmental impact of products intentionally or accidentally released in the marine environment. This document does not cover the performance of products made from biodegradable plastic materials and biodegradable polymers. Lifetime and biodegradation rates in the sea of products made with biodegradable plastic materials are generally affected by the specific environmental conditions and by thickness and shape. Although results might indicate that the tested plastic materials and polymers biodegrade under the specified test conditions at a certain rate, the results of any laboratory exposure cannot be directly extrapolated to marine environments at the actual site of use or leakage. This document is not applicable for "marine biodegradable" claims of biodegradable plastic materials. For such purpose, see relevant product standards, if available. The testing scheme specified in this document does not provide sufficient information for determining the specific biodegradation rate (i.e. the rate per available surface area) of the material under testing. For such purpose, see relevant standards about specific biodegradation rate, if available.
Abstract
Overview
ISO 22403:2020 provides standardized test methods and requirements for assessing the intrinsic biodegradability of virgin plastic materials and polymers when exposed to marine inocula under mesophilic aerobic laboratory conditions. The standard focuses on demonstrating ultimate biodegradation (conversion to CO2, water and biomass) in controlled lab tests and defines how to run, interpret and report those tests. It does not assess ecotoxicity, regulated constituents, product performance, or support “marine biodegradable” product claims.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Intrinsic biodegradability of virgin plastics and polymers without pre-treatment or environmental ageing.
- Test conditions: Mesophilic aerobic laboratory conditions; preferred temperature 15–25 °C (not exceeding 28 °C).
- Reference and controls: Reference material = cellulose (microcrystalline or filter paper). Negative control = virgin polyethylene.
- Accepted test methods: Tests may be performed according to ISO 18830, ISO 19679, ISO 22404, ASTM D6691-17, ISO 23977-1/-2 (when available) and related respirometric or CO2-evolution methods.
- Pass criterion: Organic carbon (test material or each constituent) must mineralize to CO2 to at least 90% of the reference material within two years (or ≥90% mineralization relative to the reference).
- Constituent testing: Constituents present at 1–15% (dry mass) must be evaluated separately. An artificial blend with ≥15% TOC of the constituent may be used to assess biodegradability. Readily biodegradable substances per OECD 301/310 are accepted as biodegradable.
- Test termination: A plateau can be declared when average biodegradation rate for at least three consecutive points is <3% within two months. Long-term monitoring recommended after one year.
- Limitations: Results show potential intrinsic biodegradability only; do not allow direct extrapolation to in‑situ marine environments, surface-area–specific rates, ecotoxicity, or overall environmental impact.
Applications and users
- Who uses it: plastics manufacturers, product designers, environmental testing laboratories, regulatory bodies, and researchers assessing material biodegradability potential in marine-relevant laboratory settings.
- Practical uses: screening new polymers or formulations for marine biodegradability potential; providing reproducible lab data to inform product design, risk assessment and further environmental studies; supporting material selection for applications with marine exposure risk (e.g., aquaculture gear).
Related standards
- ISO 10210 (sample preparation), ISO 18830, ISO 19679, ISO 22404, ISO 23977-1/2 (under development), ASTM D6691-17, OECD 301/310. These standards define specific methods, sample prep and complementary biodegradation tests.
Keywords: ISO 22403:2020, marine biodegradability, intrinsic biodegradability, plastics testing, mesophilic aerobic, biodegradation test methods, CO2 evolution, respirometry.
Технические детали
- Технический комитет
- ISO/TC 61/SC 14 - Environmental aspects
- SKU
- ISO 22403:2020
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