Assessment of environmental persistence: regulatory requirements and practical possibilities – available test systems, identification of technical constraints and indication of possible solutions

A literature study was performed to review the applicability of established and new tests for biodegradability for assessing persistence under REACH. Screening tests for ready and inherent biodegradability, proposals for enhanced ready tests as well as newly designed compartment-specific screening tests were analysed for strengths and weaknesses and proposals are made how to improve their performance and suitability for assessments of persistence. Although not in the focus of this study, some recommendations are also given for simulation tests in the context of evaluating persistence.