Aerobic, Anaerobic, Compost & Aquatic Biodegradation Testing Services
A single non-compliant product can expose your business to regulatory penalties and irreversible reputational harm. As one of the leading biodegradation testing laboratories in UAE, we provide high-precision analysis to evaluate how materials break down under natural environmental conditions — before they reach the market or cause ecological damage. Our ISO-accredited laboratory utilizes advanced respirometric and composting systems to ensure every sample is assessed against rigorous OECD, ISO, and ASTM benchmarks. By providing comprehensive characterization of biodegradation rates and disintegration behavior, we help manufacturers demonstrate environmental compliance with confidence. We deliver detailed, data-driven reports necessary for eco-label certifications, regulatory submissions, and sustainable product development.
Our Core Biodegradation Testing Services include
- Aerobic Biodegradation Testing (Aquatic & Soil)
- Anaerobic Biodegradation Testing (Digested Sludge & Sediment)
- Compostability Testing (Industrial & Home Composting)
- Respirometric Testing (COâ‚‚ Evolution & Oâ‚‚ Demand)
- Disintegration & Fragmentation Testing
Why Biodegradation Testing is Important?
Aerobic Biodegradation Testing
Aerobic biodegradation testing simulates degradation in oxygen-rich environments such as soil, rivers, and compost systems. This is the most common pathway for organic material breakdown and is critical for evaluating everyday products such as packaging, detergents, and personal care ingredients. In the UAE, environmental regulations and sustainability commitments increasingly require aerobic biodegradability data. As one of the leading biodegradation testing laboratories in UAE, METS Lab provides comprehensive aerobic testing services in compliance with the following standards:- OECD 301B — Ready Biodegradability: CO₂ Evolution (Modified Sturm Test) for organic compounds in aquatic environments
- ISO 14855-1:2012 — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions
- ASTM D5338-15 — Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions
- ISO 14851 — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in an aqueous medium by measuring the oxygen demand in a closed respirometer
Anaerobic Biodegradation Testing
Anaerobic biodegradation testing is essential for evaluating how materials decompose in oxygen-depleted environments such as landfills, deep sediments, and wastewater treatment systems. This testing is particularly relevant for products that end up in sealed disposal environments where aerobic pathways are unavailable. At METS Lab, we conduct specialist analysis to measure biogas production and organic carbon conversion under anaerobic conditions, ensuring your products meet environmental requirements. Our anaerobic testing is conducted in accordance with the following standards:- OECD 311 — Anaerobic Biodegradability of Organic Compounds in Digested Sludge by Measurement of Gas Production
- ISO 11734 — Evaluation of the ultimate anaerobic biodegradability of organic compounds in digested sludge — Method by measurement of biogas production
- ISO 15985 — Plastics — Determination of the degree of anaerobic biodegradation in high-solids anaerobic-digestion
Compostability & Disintegration Testing
Compostability testing is critical for businesses seeking eco-label certifications and claims for biodegradable packaging, biopolymers, and organic waste products. At METS Lab, we perform controlled composting trials that replicate industrial and home composting conditions, measuring the rate of disintegration and the degree of ultimate biodegradation. Our testing enables clients to substantiate compostability claims against globally recognized standards and labeling schemes. Compostability testing is performed in accordance with the following standards:
- ISO 17088:2021 — Specifications for compostable plastics including performance requirements for labeling
- ASTM D6400 — Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities
- EN 13432 — Packaging — Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation
Aquatic Biodegradation Testing
Aquatic biodegradation testing evaluates how chemicals, surfactants, and materials decompose in freshwater and marine environments. This is particularly critical for detergents, cosmetic ingredients, agricultural chemicals, and industrial effluents that may enter water systems. At METS Lab, we follow internationally recognized OECD and ISO methods to assess ready and inherent biodegradability in simulated aquatic conditions. Our testing is in accordance with the following standards:
- OECD 301 — Series of Ready Biodegradability tests (301A–F) covering dissolved organic carbon removal, CO₂ evolution, and oxygen demand
- OECD 302 — Inherent biodegradability tests for substances not meeting ready biodegradability criteria
- ISO 14593 — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of organic compounds in aqueous medium — CO₂ headspace test
Key Parameters in Biodegradation Testing
METS Lab provides comprehensive biodegradation analysis across all major test categories. As a leading biodegradation testing laboratory in UAE, we utilize advanced respirometric instrumentation and strictly follow OECD, ISO, and ASTM standards to evaluate critical degradation and disintegration properties. This ensures precise data for product certification, regulatory compliance, and environmental impact assessment. Key test parameters are listed below:
Aerobic Biodegradation Testing
| Parameter | Key Standards |
| COâ‚‚ Evolution (Ultimate Aerobic Biodegradability) | OECD 301B / ISO 14855-1 |
| Oxygen Demand (Respirometric Method) | ISO 14851 / OECD 301F |
| Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) Removal | OECD 301A / ISO 7827 |
| Biodegradation Rate (%) | ASTM D5338 / ISO 14855-1 |
| Degree of Disintegration | ISO 16929 / ASTM D5338 |
| Lag Phase Duration | OECD 301B / ISO 14855-1 |
| Ecotoxicity of Compost Residue | ISO 17088 / EN 13432 |
| Parameter | Key Standards |
| Biogas Production (CHâ‚„ + COâ‚‚ Volume) | OECD 311 / ISO 11734 |
| Methane Content (%) | ISO 11734 / ISO 15985 |
| Ultimate Anaerobic Biodegradability (%) | OECD 311 / ISO 15985 |
| Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Removal | OECD 311 |
| Volatile Suspended Solids Reduction | ISO 11734 |
| Degree of Decomposition in Sludge | ISO 15985 |
| Parameter | Key Standards |
| Degree of Disintegration (at 12 weeks) | ISO 16929 / EN 14045 |
| Ultimate Aerobic Biodegradability in Compost (%) | ISO 14855-1 / ASTM D5338 |
| Volatile Solids Content | ISO 17088 / ASTM D6400 |
| Heavy Metals Analysis (compost residue) | EN 13432 / ISO 17088 |
| Ecotoxicity (plant germination test) | ISO 17088 / EN 13432 |
| Water Content & Ash Content | ISO 17088 / EN 13432 |
| Organic Carbon & Nitrogen Ratio (C:N) | ISO 14855-1 |
| Parameter | Key Standards |
| Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) Removal | OECD 301A / ISO 7827 |
| COâ‚‚ Evolution in Aqueous Medium | OECD 301B / ISO 14593 |
| Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) | OECD 301C / ISO 9439 |
| Closed Bottle Test (BOD/ThOD) | OECD 301D |
| Modified OECD Screening Test (DOC) | OECD 301E |
| Manometric Respirometry (Oâ‚‚ Demand) | OECD 301F / ISO 14851 |
| Inherent Biodegradability (SCAS Test) | OECD 302A |
Industries We Serve
Our facility provides specialized biodegradation analysis across a wide range of sectors. By ensuring compliance with international standards, we help partners substantiate environmental claims, achieve eco-label certifications, and meet regulatory requirements. We serve the following industries regularly for biodegradation testing services:
- Plastics & Packaging Manufacturers
- Personal Care & Cosmetics Industry
- Detergents & Surfactant Producers
- Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies
- Agricultural Chemicals & Agrochemical Producers
- Food & Beverage Packaging
- Waste Management & Recycling
- Industrial Chemicals & Specialty Chemicals
Why Choose METS Lab?
With extensive experience in the region’s industrial and regulatory landscape, Middle East Testing Services (METS Lab) is a leading biodegradation testing laboratory in UAE. We combine technical expertise with advanced laboratory infrastructure to deliver reliable results that support your environmental certification and compliance goals:
- Accredited & Internationally Compliant: Our laboratory adheres to internationally recognized standards including ISO 14855-1:2012 ensuring results accepted by regulators and certification bodies worldwide.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Our detailed reports include biodegradation curves, percentage degradation values, disintegration observations, and regulatory-ready data summaries to support product certification and marketing claims.
- Expert Technical Team: Our scientists are experienced in interpreting complex biodegradation data and can provide tailored guidance on test selection, standard applicability, and result interpretation.
FAQ Section
What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable?
Yes. Biodegradable means a material can be broken down by microorganisms over time, but this does not specify the timeframe or the conditions required. Compostable is a more precise claim — it means the material biodegrades fully within a defined period under controlled composting conditions, leaving no toxic residues.
Which standard should I use to claim my product is biodegradable?
Yes. The choice of standard depends on your target market and disposal environment. For compostable plastics, ISO 17088 and EN 13432 are widely accepted. For chemicals and detergents, OECD 301 series tests are the global benchmark. Our technical team can guide you on the most appropriate standard for your product and market.
How long does a biodegradation test take?
Yes. Test duration varies depending on the method. Ready biodegradability tests (OECD 301) typically run for 28 days. Compostability tests under ISO 14855-1 and ASTM D5338 generally run for 45 to 180 days. Disintegration tests under ISO 16929 typically run for 12 weeks. We can advise on expected timelines at project initiation.
Can you test both finished products and individual raw materials?
Yes. We test both finished formulations and individual chemical substances or polymers. Our flexible testing programs are designed to support product development, ingredient qualification, and final product certification alike.
Do your test results support eco-label certifications?
Yes. Our testing is conducted in compliance with the standards required by major eco-labeling and certification schemes. Our comprehensive reports are structured to meet the documentation requirements of certification bodies and regulatory authorities.