Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.
The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.
Use of this information is subject to copyright laws and may require the permission of the owner of the information, as described in the ECHA Legal Notice.
EC number: 203-872-2 | CAS number: 111-46-6
Biodegradation in water: screening tests
Administrative data
Link to relevant study record(s)
Description of key information
In conclusion, the evaluation of the biodegradability of the five short chain ethylene glycols can be derived from numerous different studies. Summarizing all available data it can be concluded that the diethylene glycol is readily biodegradable.
Key value for chemical safety assessment
- Biodegradation in water:
- readily biodegradable
- Type of water:
- freshwater
Additional information
Several results on the ready biodegradability of the diethylene glycol are available. According to the available study reports, the substance fulfils the ready biodegradability criteria within the 28-d test period; however, the 10-day window criterion is failed in all of the available studies (301A BASF AG 1995, 1994, 301B BASF AG, 1995). DEG can be assessed as „biodegradable“ or „readily biodegradable, but failing the 10-d window“.
In addition to this information, the biodegradability of diethylene glycol is assessed in the read-across approach of 'ethylene glycol and higher glycols' (mono-, di-, tri-, tetra- and pentaethylene glycol). Within this read-across, all evidence indicates that the ethylene glycols are readily biodegradable. In case of mono-ethylene glycol (EG) a very rapid biodegradation was detected in the DOC Die Away Test according to OECD 301A (BASF AG, 1996). After 10 days > 90 % degradation of ethylene glycol was determined. The time window of the degradation phase is approx. 3 days.
In a MITI-I test (similar to OECD 301 C) the substance was degraded between 83 and 96% in 14 days of exposure (based on oxygen consumption, BOD/ThOD; MITI, 1988). A mixture of sewage, soil and natural water was used as inoculum. The validity criteria of the OECD guideline 301C were met. In the test study conducted according to OECD 301A tetra-EG was degraded within a time window of approx. 9 days (BASF, 1995).
Additionally, the inherent biodegradability of DEG is supported by a OECD 302C study (NITE, 2017).
It should also be considered that diethylene glycol is also used as a reference substance in biodegradability screening tests.
In conclusion, the evaluation of the biodegradability of the five short chain ethylene glycols can be derived from numerous different studies. Summarizing all available data it can be concluded that the complete members of the group including the diethylene glycol are readily biodegradable.
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.
Reproduction or further distribution of this information may be subject to copyright protection. Use of the information without obtaining the permission from the owner(s) of the respective information might violate the rights of the owner.
