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Environmental fate & pathways

Biodegradation in water: screening tests

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Description of key information

Amides, C16-C18 (even numbered) is readily biodegradable.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Additional information

One study investigating the ready biodegradability of amides, C16-C18 (even numbered) and one study the structural related substances erucamide were available. The tests were carried out according to the OECD Guideline No. 301B: Ready Biodegradability: CO2 Evolution Test (1992), under GLP conditions (Mead, 2001). Both substances reached a biodegradation value of > 60% after 28 days. However, the degradation values of 62 % and 64 % were not reached within the 10-d window, but as the substances are a mixture of constituents with different chain-lengths, sequential biodegradation of the individual structures is taking place. Due to a degradation of > 60% within 28 days amides, C16-C18 (even numbered) can be regarded as readily biodegradable. The 10 -day window should not be applied to interpret the test results (Annex I, OECD Guideline for The Testing of Chemicals 'Revised introduction to the OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals, section 3, OECD, March 2006). Additional calculations were used to investigate the biodegradation of stearamide (C18) and palmidamide (C16). The QSAR predictions with SRC BIOWIN v4.10 also indicate that the components of amides, C16-C18 (even numbered) are readily biodegradable. The calculation is scientifically accepted and reliable, further information will not be required for the assessment amides, C16-C18 (even numbered) can be regarded as readily biodegradable.