Test on Evaluation Method for Biodegradability of Lubricants

Using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as extraction agent, the activated sludge from Tianjin Jizhuangzi Sewage Treatment Plant as inoculum, the test study on biodegradability of lubricants was carried out. The test flasks containing the mineral medium, the test oil and the inoculum were placed in incubation together with flasks containing poisoned blanks for periods of 0 and 21 days, respectively. Flasks containing the reference materials in place of the test oil were run in parallel. At the end of the incubation period, the contents of the flasks were subjected to sonic vibration, and were acidified and extracted by using CCl4. The extracts were then analysed by infra-red (IR) spectrometer to measure the maximum absorption of the C-H stretch of CH2-CH3 band at wavelength of 2 930 cm-1. The absorption values were used to calculate the residual oil contents of the poisoned and test flasks. Consequently the biodegradability of the test oil was calculated. The test results indicate that the differences in the biodegradability of test materials in different tests are within 5.5%, and consistent with the data described in Coordinating European Council (CEC) L-33-A-93. The biodegradability of lubricants can be evaluated by this method effectively.