Natural Seawater Qualities Along the Gulf of Thailand Coast Areas for Chemical Products Biodegradation Tests According to OECD 306

Mirantee Deecharern, Jantana Panpran, Nopphawan Srasaengta, Chanchai Kahapana, Suttida Kongjay, Witthawat Yueayai, Sirorat Tungsatitporn, Anchana Pattanasupong

Material Biodegradation Testing Laboratory, Material Properties Analysis and Development Centre, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.

Abstract: The natural seawater samples were collected from four provinces along the Gulf of Thailand coast, namely Chonburi, Rayong, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon, for three times a year to determine the basic seawater quality and total bacteria count. They will be used as an inoculum for evaluating the biodegradation test method development in accordance with OECD 306, including the verification of test validity. The data were analyzed using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The parameter only total bacteria count over a year in different provinces were found significantly different (p < 0.05), whereas ambient temperature, sea surface temperature, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The biodegradation percentages of reference compound (sodium benzoate) and inoculated with the collected natural seawater were greater than 60% within 28 days and passes the test validity requirement. The natural seawater from these areas could be accepted as suitable for use as an inoculum in test media for biodegradation test accordance with OECD 306, although the seawater inoculum were variable in some parameters depending on the sea water source (time period and sampling area). In this study, the test method could identify the biodegradable properties of chemical products in the seawater providing an alternative solution to solve the environment problem.

Key Words: Biodegradation, Chemical products, OECD 306, Sodium benzoate

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