The biodegradability and microbial toxicity testing of lubricants – some recommendations

Designing Small Molecules for Biodegradability

“…Silicones are essentially nonbiodegradable and mineral oils, being complex mixtures of cyclic and noncyclic hydrocarbons some of which are readily degradable and some not, have limited biodegradability in standard tests. 42,43 Polyol esters are more degradable but generally do not meet the formal pass criteria for ready biodegradability 43,44 (Figure 4).…”

Eco-friendly Multifunction Petroleum Additives: Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation

“…The triacylglycerol structure of plant oil derivatives makes it an excellent bio-lubricant [11][12][13]. They offer a number of advantages, including high biodegradability (>95 %), reduced environmental pollution [14][15][16][17][18] compatibility with additives, low production costs [19], large possibilities of production, low toxicity, high flash point, low volatility, high viscosity indices and, above all, better tribological performance. They have displayed superior performance than mineral oils in terms of anti-wear and fatigue resistance [20][21][22].…”

Ecotoxicity and Biodegradability Assessment of Metalworking Fluids by Activated Sludge Bacteria

“…Readily biodegradable is an arbitrary classification of chemicals which have passed certain specified screening tests for ultimate biodegradability; these tests are so stringent that such compounds are assumed to biodegrade rapidly and completely in aquatic environments under aerobic conditions. Inherently biodegradable is classification of chemicals for which there is unequivocal evidence of biodegradation (primary or ultimate) in any test of biodegradability (10)(11)(12)(13). Inherent biodegradability demonstrates the potential degradability of a compound.…”