Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: - | CAS number: -
Biodegradation in water: screening tests
Administrative data
Link to relevant study record(s)
Description of key information
Key value for chemical safety assessment
Additional information
All enzyme classes are readily biodegradable. Degradation products are primarily peptides and amino acids, then carbon dioxide and water which cause no harm to nature.
Due to the hydrophilic properties and ready biodegradability of proteins, bioaccumulation tests are considered unnecessary.
The acyl transferase enzyme is produced by a water based fermentation process using carbohydrates as a carbon source and trace ingredients required for the bacteria to grow and reproduce. The process requires that the various ingredients are water soluble and non-toxic to the bacteria. The fermentation and downstream processing conditions result in an enzyme and fermentation by-products that are water soluble and biodegradable. There are no sources of substances with octanol water partition coefficients (log Kow > 4) that would represent a potential to persist in the environment. Enzymes, in general, and the acyl transferase enzyme in particular, are large macromolecules (46179.2 g/mol) and as such do not represent a bioconcentration potential.
Standard ready biodegradability tests are not appropriate for UVCB substances such as the acyl transferase enzyme as these are complex mixtures. These tests are more appropriate for individual substances. However, OECD ready biodegradability tests have been conducted on lipases, cellulases and amylase with results (84 to 99% DOC removal) that surpass the OECD threshold limit of 70% DOC removal (Bergman, 1997).
Reference:
A. Bergman, J. Bak and M. Stavnsbjerg: Environmental Fate of Detergents Enzymes, In: International Symposium Environmental Biotechnology. Oostende, Belgium. 1997
HERA Human and environmental risk assessment on ingredients of household cleaning products - alpha-amylases, cellulases and lipases. 2005.
Information on Registered Substances comes from registration dossiers which have been assigned a registration number. The assignment of a registration number does however not guarantee that the information in the dossier is correct or that the dossier is compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (the REACH Regulation). This information has not been reviewed or verified by the Agency or any other authority. The content is subject to change without prior notice.
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