The most widely used measure of biodegradability in the US is probably the assimilable organic carbon assay. Several researchers have examined alternative chemical assays to avoid some of the drawbacks of AOC analysis. This study focuses on the use of ketoacids for assessing biodegradability. They can be measured by gas chromatography following sample extraction and chemical derivatization. Analyses are reproducible, and fast, usually taking only a few hours. Following a description of the method, three pilot studies are summarized. Regardless of the connection between ketoacids and AOC assay, these surrogate compounds offer a means by which rapid and precise comparisons can be made. By regular monitoring of ketoacids in the effluent of a new filter, the onset of biological activity with respect to these compounds could be determined.
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Published: 01/01/1993 ISBN(s): 0898677149 Number of Pages: 28File Size: 1 file , 730 KB