The quantity of surfactants necessary for the biodegradation test is about 50 g MBAS.
Normally, the quantity of product to be extracted will not exceed 1 000 g, but it may be necessary to extract further quantities of sample. For practical reasons, the quantity of product used should in most cases be limited to 5 000 g in preparing extracts for the biodegradation test.
Experience has shown that there are advantages in using a number of small extractions rather than one large extraction. The exchanger quantities specified are designed for a working capacity of 600-700 mmoles of surfactants and soap.