EN ISO 14851:2019 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 14851:2019 (CEN) - also published as ISO 14851:2019 - specifies a laboratory respirometric method for determining the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in an aqueous medium. The method measures oxygen demand in a closed respirometer while the test material is exposed to an inoculum from activated sludge. It is designed to determine the potential biodegradability of polymers (including formulated plastics and water‑soluble polymers) and to provide an indication of biodegradation behaviour in natural aquatic environments.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test principle: Measurement of oxygen uptake in a closed respirometer to quantify aerobic biodegradation.
• Inoculum: Activated sludge from wastewater treatment; either unadapted (simulates natural aqueous environments) or pre‑exposed/mixed (used to probe potential biodegradability).
• Applicable materials:
  • Natural and synthetic polymers, copolymers or blends
  • Plastics containing additives (plasticizers, colorants, etc.)
  • Water‑soluble polymers
  • Materials that do not inhibit microbial activity under test conditions
• Controls and validity:
  • Blank controls and reference materials required
  • Use of inhibition controls or methods (e.g., ISO 8192) if inhibitory effects are suspected
  • Test conditions reflect potential, not necessarily maximum, biodegradation
• Optional analyses and annexes:
  • Carbon balance calculation (Annex E) to improve assessment
  • Theoretical oxygen demand (ThOD, Annex A)
  • Nitrification correction (Annex B)
  • Closed manometric respirometer and two‑phase closed‑bottle variants (Annexes C and D)
  • Methods for quantifying residual insoluble polymer and molecular mass (Annex F)
  • CO2 absorption procedures (Annex G)
• Health/safety: Activated sludge may contain pathogenic organisms - appropriate precautions are required.

Applications and practical value

• Product development & R&D: Polymer formulators and materials scientists use EN ISO 14851:2019 to assess biodegradation potential during design and formulation stages.
• Environmental testing laboratories: Standardized respirometric tests provide reproducible data for research, comparative studies and life‑cycle assessments.
• Regulatory & compliance: Supports claims about aquatic biodegradability and informs risk assessment, waste management and labeling decisions.
• Quality control & certification: Helps manufacturers demonstrate biodegradability performance of plastics and additives under controlled aqueous conditions.

Who should use this standard

• Polymer manufacturers, converters and compounders
• Environmental and analytical testing laboratories
• Regulatory bodies, eco‑labeling and certification organizations
• Waste‑management and water‑quality researchers

Related standards

• ISO 8192 (for guidance on inhibition controls) - referenced in EN ISO 14851:2019.
• Consult other ISO/CEN biodegradability standards for soil or compost testing (note: EN ISO 14851 excludes soil/compost inocula).

Keywords: EN ISO 14851:2019, ISO 14851, aerobic biodegradability, closed respirometer, oxygen demand, plastic biodegradability test, activated sludge, carbon balance.