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Environmental fate & pathways

Biodegradation in water and sediment: simulation tests

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Description of key information

Surface water: A waiver is requested based on the missing readily and inherent biodegradation.
Sediment: A waiver is requested based on the Annex IX of REACH criterion "the test is required only for substances with a high potential for adsorption to soil". Melamine has a low adsorption coefficient.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Additional information

Surface water:

Simulation tests are normally applied to chemicals which have failed a screening test for ready biodegradability, but have passed a test for inherent biodegradability. Melamine is therefore not a candidate for a simulation test, as it did not pass the tests for inherent biodegradability. For risk assessment it has to be assumed that melamine is not degraded in surface water.

Degradation nevertheless can take place under more favourable conditions, e.g. by adapted activated sludge microorganisms or if an additional energy source such as glucose was added to the system. Nitrification of ammonia groups of melamine was observed in soil or by specific microorganisms (Pseudomonas, Nitrosomonas or Klebsiella strains). The pathway and the degradation products of melamine were determined.

According to Annex VIII, IX and X of REACH "Further biotic degradation testing shall be proposed by the registrant if the chemical safety assessment according to Annex I indicates the need to investigate further the degradation of the substance and its degradation products".

Melamine has a low toxicity to aquatic organisms, not leading to a classification. Melamine does not bioaccumulate. Melamine is not a PBT or a vPvB substance. The chemical safety assessment does not indicate the need to investigate further the degradation of the substance and its degradation products.

It is concluded that the results of a simulation test are not essential for classification or for the chemical safety assessment.

Sediment:

According to Annex IX of REACH: The test is required only "for substances with a high potential for adsorption to soil". Melamine has a low potential for adsorption to soil. logKoc is estimated to 1.1 to 1.5.