SIST EN ISO 15473:2020

Soil quality - Guidance on laboratory testing for biodegradation of organic chemicals in soil under anaerobic conditions (ISO 15473:2002)

This International Standard gives guidance on the selection and method of appropriate tests for the determination of biodegradation of organic chemicals in soil samples under anaerobic conditions.
NOTE For methods intended for tests in the framework of the registration of chemicals, an OECD Guideline on soil degradation gives useful guidance on additional test requirements.

Bodenbeschaffenheit - Anleitung für Laboratoriumsuntersuchungen zur biologischen Abbaubarkeit von organischen Chemikalien im Boden unter anaeroben Bedingungen (ISO 15473:2002)

Diese Internationale Norm gibt eine Anleitung für die Auswahl und Durchführung geeigneter Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung der biologischen Abbaubarkeit von organischen Chemikalien in Bodenproben unter anaeroben Bedingungen.
ANMERKUNG   Falls das Verfahren für Prüfungen im Netzwerk der Registrierung von Chemikalien vorgesehen ist, enthält eine OECD-Anleitung zur Abbaubarkeit im Boden [20] nützliche Hinweise über zusätzliche Prüfanforderungen.

Qualité du sol - Lignes directrices relatives aux essais en laboratoire pour la biodégradation de produits chimiques organiques dans le sol sous conditions anaérobies (ISO 15473:2002)

La présente Norme internationale fournit des lignes directrices pour le choix et la conduite d'essais appropriés en vue de déterminer la biodégradation de produits chimiques organiques dans le sol sous conditions anaérobies.
NOTE Si la méthode est utilisée pour des essais dans le cadre de la notification des substances chimiques, une ligne directrice de l'OCDE sur la dégradation dans le sol fournit des recommandations utiles relatives aux exigences d'essais supplémentaires.

Kakovost tal - Navodilo za laboratorijsko preskušanje biološke razgradljivosti organskih spojin v tleh pri anaerobnih pogojih (ISO 15473:2002)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 02-Feb-2020
• Publication Date: 23-Sep-2020
• ICS: 13.080.30 - Biological properties of soils
• Technical Committee: KAT - Soil quality
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 17-Aug-2020
• Due Date: 22-Oct-2020
• Completion Date: 24-Sep-2020
• Ref Project: EN ISO 15473:2020 - Soil quality - Guidance on laboratory testing for biodegradation of organic chemicals in soil under anaerobic conditions (ISO 15473:2002)

Overview

EN ISO 15473:2020 (ISO 15473:2002) - "Soil quality - Guidance on laboratory testing for biodegradation of organic chemicals in soil under anaerobic conditions" - provides laboratory guidance for selecting and performing appropriate tests to determine how organic chemicals degrade in soil when oxygen is absent. The standard addresses test selection, soil sampling and handling, incubation approaches, measurement of degradation, and reporting of results. It is intended for environmental laboratories, regulators, chemical registrants and researchers assessing persistence and anaerobic transformation of organic compounds in soils.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose
  • Guidance for determining biodegradation of organic chemicals in soil under anaerobic conditions; useful where soil is water-logged, marshy, landfill or otherwise reducing.
• Defined terms
  • Clear definitions for biodegradation, primary/ultimate biodegradation, DT50/DT90, bound (non-extractable) residues, and anaerobic transformation.
• Test approaches
  • Two principal methods are described:
    • Methanogenic incubation: chemically induced low redox potential (recommended to assess methanogenic potential). Methanogenic redox potential is stated as less than –200 mV.
    • Water‑logged (flooded) incubation: simulates natural transient anaerobic conditions; redox development depends on soil and may progress through nitrate-, Fe‑, sulfate‑reducing stages (with example redox ranges cited).
• Measurement and analytics
  • Biodegradation monitored via production of CO2, methane and other volatiles or by substance‑specific analysis of parent compound disappearance.
  • Use of radio-labelled (e.g., 14C) compounds is recommended when tracking volatiles, metabolites or formation of bound residues.
• Soil selection and characterization
  • Preferentially use soil from the anticipated exposure site; record field history, sampling depth, aeration status and amendments.
  • Characterize soils (pH, organic carbon, texture, water content, redox potential) to support interpretation.
• Reporting
  • Standard requires clear expression of results (e.g., DT50/DT90, extent of mineralization, bound residue) and a comprehensive test report.

Applications and users

• Environmental testing laboratories performing biodegradation assays under anaerobic conditions
• Regulators and risk assessors evaluating chemical persistence and fate in anoxic soils and sediments
• Chemical manufacturers and registrants preparing degradation data for registration or environmental dossiers
• Researchers studying anaerobic microbial transformation, landfill or wetland contaminant behavior
• Contaminated land consultants assessing remediation options for reduced environments

Related standards and guidance

• ISO 11266 (aerobic biodegradation guidance)
• ISO 14239 (laboratory incubation systems for aerobic mineralization)
• ISO 10381-6 (soil sampling and handling)
• OECD Guidelines on soil degradation (additional requirements for regulatory testing)

Keywords: soil quality, biodegradation, anaerobic conditions, EN ISO 15473:2020, methanogenic, water‑logged, redox potential, DT50, bound residue, laboratory testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2020
Kakovost tal - Navodilo za laboratorijsko preskušanje biološke razgradljivosti
organskih spojin v tleh pri anaerobnih pogojih (ISO 15473:2002)
Soil quality - Guidance on laboratory testing for biodegradation of organic chemicals in
soil under anaerobic conditions (ISO 15473:2002)
Bodenbeschaffenheit - Anleitung für Laboratoriumsuntersuchungen zur biologischen
Abbaubarkeit von organischen Chemikalien im Boden unter anaeroben Bedingungen
(ISO 15473:2002)
Qualité du sol - Lignes directrices relatives aux essais en laboratoire pour la
biodégradation de produits chimiques organiques dans le sol sous conditions anaérobies
(ISO 15473:2002)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 15473:2020
ICS:
13.080.30 Biološke lastnosti tal Biological properties of soils
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 15473
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
April 2020
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.080.30
English Version
Soil quality - Guidance on laboratory testing for
biodegradation of organic chemicals in soil under
anaerobic conditions (ISO 15473:2002)
Qualité du sol - Lignes directrices relatives aux essais Bodenbeschaffenheit - Anleitung für
en laboratoire pour la biodégradation de produits Laboratoriumsuntersuchungen zur biologischen
chimiques organiques dans le sol sous conditions Abbaubarkeit von organischen Chemikalien im Boden
anaérobies (ISO 15473:2002) unter anaeroben Bedingungen (ISO 15473:2002)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 13 April 2020.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 15473:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
The text of ISO 15473:2002 has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 190 "Soil quality” of the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and has been taken over as EN ISO 15473:2020 by
Technical Committee CEN/TC 444 “Environmental characterization of solid matrices” the secretariat of
which is held by NEN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2020, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by October 2020.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 15473:2002 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 15473:2020 without any modification.

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15473
First edition
2002-03-15
Soil quality — Guidance on laboratory
testing for biodegradation of organic
chemicals in soil under anaerobic
conditions
Qualité du sol — Lignes directrices relatives aux essais en laboratoire pour
la biodégradation de produits chimiques organiques dans le sol sous
conditions anaérobies
Reference number
ISO 15473:2002(E)
©
ISO 2002
ISO 15473:2002(E)
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ii © ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

ISO 15473:2002(E)
Contents
Foreword.iv
Introduction.v
1 Scope.1
2 Normative references.1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Principle.3
5 Materials.3
6 Collection, handling and storage of soil .6
7 Procedure.6
8 Expression of results.9
9 Test report.10
Bibliography.11

ISO 15473:2002(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards adopted
by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 15473 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 190, Soil quality, Subcommittee SC 4, Biological
methods.
iv © ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

ISO 15473:2002(E)
Introduction
Organic chemicals can be introduced into the soil both intentionally and accidentally, after which they can degrade
as a result of biological action. For chemicals which do degrade, the rate of degradation can vary considerably,
depending not only on the molecular structure of the chemical, but also on soil conditions such as temperature,
water and oxygen availability which influence microbial activity. The activity of microorganisms often plays a major
role in degradative processes.
ISO 11266 [3] gives general guidelines for the selection and method of tests to determine the biodegradation of
organic chemicals in soils under aerobic conditions.
It is necessary to have laboratory tests available to estimate the rate and extent of biodegradation under anaerobic
conditions, and to assess the capability of soil to degrade organic chemicals under these conditions.
This International Standard gives guidance for the method of tests to determine the biodegradation of organic
chemicals in soils under anaerobic conditions.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15473:2002(E)

Soil quality — Guidance on laboratory testing for biodegradation
of organic chemicals in soil under anaerobic conditions
1 Scope
This International Standard gives guidance on the selection and method of appropriate tests for the determination
of biodegradation of organic chemicals in soil samples under anaerobic conditions.
NOTE If the method is intended for tests in the framework of the registration of chemicals, an OECD Guideline on soil
degradation [20] gives useful guidance on additional test requirements.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this International Standard. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For
undated references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC
maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 10381-6:1993, Soil quality — Sampling — Part 6: Guidance on the collection, handling and storage of soil for
the assessment of aerobic microbial processes in the laboratory
ISO 10390:1994, Soil quality — Determination of pH
ISO 10694:1995, Soil quality — Determination of organic and total carbon after dry combustion (elementary
analysis)
ISO 11260:1994, Soil quality — Determination of effective cation exchange capacity and base saturation level
using barium chloride solution
ISO 11261:1995, Soil quality — Determination of total nitrogen — Modified Kjeldahl method
ISO 11271, Soil quality — Determination of redox potential — Field method
ISO 11274:1998, Soil quality — Determination of the water retention characteristic — Laboratory methods
ISO 11277:1998, Soil quality — Determination of particle size distribution in mineral soil material — Method by
sieving and sedimentation
ISO 14239:1997, Soil quality — Laboratory incubation systems for measuring the mineralization of organic
chemicals in soil under aerobic conditions
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this International Standard, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO 15473:2002(E)
3.1
biodegradation
molecular degradation of an organic substance resulting from the actions of living organisms
[ISO 11266]
3.2
primary biodegradation
the degradation of a substance to an extent sufficient to remove some characteristic property of the parent
molecule. In practice this will be determined by analysis as a loss of parent compound or some specific function of
the parent compound
[ISO 11266]
3.3
ultimate biodegradation
breakdown of an organic compound to carbon dioxide, methane, water, mineral salts of any other elements
present, and products associated with the normal anaerobic processes of microorganisms
3.4
anaerobic transformation
reaction occurring under exclusion of oxygen (reducing conditions)
NOTE Such a reaction generally occurs when the redox potential (E ) is less than 200 mV [17].
h
3.5
persistence
residence time of a chemical species in a specifically defined compartment of the environment
[ISO 11266]
3.6
DT-50
disappearance time 50
time taken for the concentration of a given compound to be reduced by 50 % of its original value
[ISO 11266]
3.7
DT-90
disappearance time 90
time taken for the concentration of a given compound to be reduced by 90 % of its original value
[ISO 11266]
3.8
bound residue
non-extractable residue
chemical species in soils originating from, for example, organic molecules that are not extracted by methods which
do not significantly change the chemical nature of the residue
NOTE These non-extractable residues are considered to exclude fragments recycled through metabolic pathways leading
to natural products [12].
3.9
soil
upper layer of the earth's crust composed of mineral parts, organic substances, water, air and living matter
[ISO 11074-1]
2 © ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

ISO 15473:2002(E)
3.10
test substance
chemical substance under investigation added to the test system
3.11
saturated soil
that part of the soil which is completely saturated by water
4 Principle
Two appropriate test methods are described:
a) incubation of a test compound in the soil under methanogenic conditions and monitoring its biodegradation;
b) incubation of a test compound in the soil under water-logged conditions and monitoring its biodegradation.
The latter method simulates conditions under natural anaerobic circumstances, whereas the former method makes
use of chemicals to induce a low redox potential in soil, and is the method of choice to measure the potential for
degradation in soil under methanogenic conditions. In the water-logged soil method, the establishment of a low
redox potential takes more time than under the methanogenic test conditions.
If the water-logged (“flooded”) conditions are chosen, the soil will establish conditions depending on the nature of
the soil. Such conditions can be nitrate-reducing (450 mV to 200 mV, pH 7), Fe-reducing (+ 150 mV to – 100 mV,
pH 7), or sulfate-reducing (– 50 mV to – 200 mV, pH 7). If “methanogenic” conditions are chosen, the redox
potential will be less than – 200 mV.
The water-logging method is more appropriate for aerobic soils that may be transiently anaerobic. The
methanogenic conditions are more appropriate for organic marsh (permanently flooded) surface soils, soils of
landfills and sludge-amended soils.
NOTE Organic soils containing easily degradable organic matter may eventually achieve methanogenic conditions under
water-logged test conditions.
After addition of the test compound to a selected soil (5.1), biodegradation is measured under anaerobic conditions
by following the production of carbon dioxide, methane and other volatiles. If such volatile compounds have to be
determined, the use of C (radioactive) substances is highly recommended. The disappearance of the test
compound can also be f
...