An analysis of the 'Modified Sturm Test' data

The 'Modified Sturm Test' uses carbon dioxide production as the primary end point in assessing the biodegradation potential of organic chemicals. This test was conducted by a commercial laboratory to assess the potential biod egradability of an oil stabilizer sample from an oil company in Canada. The re was a high percentage conversion of total organic carbon present in the sample but carbon dioxide measured was low. Many possibilities were analyze d in this paper in order to understand the situation. The analysis showed t hat the test was subject to criticism from the point of view of CO2 measure ment, 10-day window period, and aeration/mixing conditions. (C) 1999 Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.