Soil Microorganisms: Carbon Transformation Test (OECD TG 217)
The Soil Microorganisms: Carbon Transformation Test according to OECD TG 217 is designed to evaluate the effects of chemicals on the activity of soil microbial communities responsible for carbon cycling. This test provides essential information on how substances may influence soil organic matter decomposition and overall soil health.
In this study, the test substance is incorporated into a representative natural or artificial soil, which is then incubated under controlled laboratory conditions. Microbial activity is assessed over a period of typically 28 days by monitoring the evolution of carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a result of the decomposition of organic matter.
Key endpoints include the cumulative CO₂ production and the rate of carbon mineralization, which are compared to untreated control soils. From these data, the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) can be determined, identifying concentrations at which the substance does not significantly affect microbial carbon transformation.
This test provides crucial data for evaluating the potential ecological impact of chemicals on soil microbial activity, supporting regulatory risk assessment and sustainable soil management practices.
