• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.147-152
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• 1999

The efficiency of the OECD MITI(I) test which is designated as a standard method for measuring the biodegradability of chemicals by the Korean Ministry of Environment was evaluated and compared with those of two other OECD ready biodegradability tests： the manometric respirometry test and the closed bottle test. All the tests were applicable to a wide variety of organic chemicals and there were no significant differences in biodegradation rates of eight test chemicals and a reference chemical with three methods. However, the MITI(I) test had unnecessary expense and complexity in preparation of a mixed inoculum. Decrease in bacterial diversity during pre-conditioning of the inoculum for 1 month was observed and therefore the mixed inoculum did not ensure the presence of a variety of species in the test. Based on the simplicity, cost-effectiveness and reproducibility of the test procedure, it is considered that the manometric respirometry test is the most adequate method which can replace the MITI(I) test method.