ISO 11733:2004
Water quality - Determination of the elimination and biodegradability of organic compounds in an aqueous medium - Activated sludge simulation test

Standard No.

ISO 11733:2004

Release Date

2004

Published By

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

Latest

ISO 11733:2004

Scope

This International Standard specifies a method for the determination of the elimination and the biodegradability of organic compounds by aerobic micro-organisms. The conditions described simulate a waste-water treatment plant. Two test systems can be used: activated sludge plants or porous pots. The tests can optionally be performed under conditions of nitrification and denitrification (Annex A) and coupling of the units (Annex B). The method applies to organic compounds which, under the conditions of the test, are a) soluble in tap water at the test concentration and not expected to be transformed to insoluble metabolites if biodegradation, in addition to elimination, is determined; b) poorly water-soluble, but which are satisfactorily dispersible in water and allow detection with suitable analytical means (e.g. organic carbon measurements); c) non-volatile, or which have a negligible vapour pressure under the test conditions; d) not inhibitory to the test micro-organisms at the concentration chosen for the test. Inhibitory effects can be determined by using a suitable test method (e.g. ISO 8192 or ISO 15522t). Compounds inhibitory at concentrations used in this test may be tested at concentrations less than their EC20 value, followed by higher practical concentrations after a period of acclimatization. The method can also be used to measure the biodegradation and elimination of dissolved organic compounds in waste water (also called "test compound" in the method). If more or different information is required to predict the behaviour of test compounds or waste water in a treatment plant, other degradation tests may be performed. For appropriate use of this method and for alternative biodegradation methods, see ISO/TR 15462 and for general information on biotesting, see ISO 5667-16.

ISO 11733:2004 Referenced Document

• ISO 10634 Water quality - Preparation and treatment of poorly water-soluble organic compounds for the subsequent evaluation of their biodegradability in an aqueous medium*， 2018-09-30 Update
• ISO/TR 15462 Water quality - Selection of tests for biodegradability*， 2006-05-01 Update

ISO 11733:2004 history

• 2004 ISO 11733:2004 Water quality - Determination of the elimination and biodegradability of organic compounds in an aqueous medium - Activated sludge simulation test
• 1995 ISO 11733:1995 Water quality - Evaluation of the elimination and biodegradability of organic compounds in an aqueous medium - Activated sludge simulation test