CDX-403

Biodegradation in water: screening tests

Administrative data

Endpoint:

biodegradation in water: ready biodegradability

Data waiving:

study scientifically not necessary / other information available

Justification for data waiving:

other:

Justification for type of information:

Halodrin dehalogenase is an enzyme produced by Escherichia coli BL21, an E.coli strain that is widely used for protein expression and that is fully sequenced. Enzymes are proteins which are readily and ultimately biodegradable in the environment. Enzymes are quickly inactivated and biodegraded already during transport to and treatment in occupational waste water treatment plants and municipal sewers and sewage treatment plants (The Association of Manufacturers and Formulators of Enzyme Products (www.amfep.org).
Ready biodegradability tests have been conducted on lipases, cellulases and amylase with results (92 to 99% DOC removal) that surpass the OECD threshold limit of 70% DOC removal (Bergman, 1997) and therefore considered readily biodegradable. Considering the common chemical features of enzymes and their general evaluation as substances easily accessible to biodegradation, it is not surprising that the existing biodegradability test data on amylase, cellulase and lipase underline the conclusion that these materials are rapidly and ultimately biodegraded in the environment. (HERA, 2007. Human and environmental risk assessment on ingredients of house hold cleaning products_ Subtilisins (protease) and Hera, 2005 Human and environmental risk assessment on ingredients of house hold cleaning products- alpha-amylase, cellulase an lipases).