Dihydrogen (ethyl)[4-[[4-[ethyl(3-sulphonatobenzyl)amino]phenyl](2-sulphonatophenyl)methylene]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene](3-sulphonatobenzyl)ammonium, aluminium salt

Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Endpoint:

toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Justification for type of information:

Experimental test result performed according to the OECD test guideline.

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 201 (Alga, Growth Inhibition Test)

GLP compliance:

no

Analytical monitoring:

no

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

The test solution was prepared in aseptic condition. The test substance was prepared by dissolving 50 mg of test substance in 250 ml of BBM to get the final concentration of 200 mg/L. This stock solution was kept for stirring/sonication for 30 minutes to obtain a homogenous solution for the experiment. The test concentrations were chosen according to the
available data of the test item. The concentrations chosen were set up to the water solubility limit. The remaining test solutions were prepared by dilution from the above stock solution. To have a better growth and visibility of cells, the initial cell density of the culture was kept 10000 cells/ml. Care was taken to have a homogeneous solution for the experiment.

Test organisms (species):

Chlorella vulgaris

Details on test organisms:

TEST ORGANISM
- Common name: green alga
- Method of cultivation: Bold’s Basal Medium(BBM)


ACCLIMATION
- Culturing media and conditions (same as test or not): The medium to be used for the growth of algae was Bold’s Basal Medium (BBM). It is a medium composed of macronutrients, micronutrients, alkaline EDTA solution and Iron solution. Stock solution of each of these was prepared separately and then a complete medium was prepared and sterilized. De-ionized water was used to prepare the BBM
- Any deformed or abnormal cells observed: no

Test type:

static

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

no

Total exposure duration:

72 h

Test temperature:

22°C±2°C

Nominal and measured concentrations:

Nominal test chemical conc. used for the study were 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/l. All the six concentration were in geometric series spaced by a factor of 2.

Details on test conditions:

TEST SYSTEM
- Test vessel: Conical flasks
- Material, size, headspace, fill volume: 100 ml conical flasks filled with 60 ml was used for the study.
- Initial cells density: 10000cells/ml
- No. of organisms per vessel: 10000cells/ml
- No. of vessels per concentration (replicates): Two replicates for each test concentration
- No. of vessels per control (replicates): Three replicates for Control

GROWTH MEDIUM
- Standard medium used: yes
- Detailed composition if non-standard medium was used: The medium to be used for the growth of algae was Bold’s Basal Medium (BBM). It is a medium composed of macronutrients, micronutrients, alkaline EDTA solution and Iron solution. Stock solution of each of these was prepared separately and then a complete medium was prepared and sterilized. De-ionized water was used to prepare the BBM.


OTHER TEST CONDITIONS
- Sterile test conditions: yes
- Adjustment of pH: Yes
- Photoperiod: 16 Hour Light Period : 8 Hour Dark Period
- Light intensity and quality: continuous, uniform fluorescent illumination(1500Lux)

EFFECT PARAMETERS MEASURED (with observation intervals if applicable) :
- Determination of cell concentrations: Spectrophotometer - The absorbance values of each test vessel and control vessel was noted at 680nm.The BBM was taken as blank for both control and test vessels. The absorbance value of each vessel was in line with the average specific growth rate.
- Chlorophyll measurement: No data
- Other: The cultures were observed daily with the help of a microscope to verify a normal and healthy appearance of the algal culture and also to
observe any abnormal appearance of the algae (as may be caused by the exposure of the test item). Apart from this, the cell count of each test vessel was also noted with the help of a microscope and haemocytometer.

TEST CONCENTRATIONS
- Test concentrations: Six test concentration were: 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/l (Nominal concentrations)
- Results used to determine the conditions for the definitive study: Mortality of test organisms


Other:
Incubation :
1. The temperature of the orbital shaking incubator was kept constant throughout the period of exposure of the experiment. The temperature was maintained at 22 ° C±2°C.
2. The test vessels were incubated with a continuous, uniform fluorescent illumination (1500Lux).
3. The pH of the control cultures needs to be noted during the study and the pH of the control medium should not increase by more than 1.5 units during the test.
4. The orbital shaking incubator was set at a speed of 120 revolutions per minute throughout the study period. This is to provide constant shaking to the algal cells to keep them in suspension and to ensure that they do not settle down on the bottom of the test vessel.
5. Study duration : The experimental phase of the study was lasted for a period of 72 hours.

Reference substance (positive control):

no

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

125.46 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

growth rate

Remarks on result:

other: calculated from equation through probit analysis

Details on results:

The microscopic observations were noted down in each of the control vessel. All the cells appeared healthy, round and green throughout the study duration in the control and in the experimental flask also and no significant changes were observed up to the concentration of 200 mg/l.

Reported statistics and error estimates:

To obtain a quantitative concentration-response relationship by regression analysis, a linearizing transformation of the response data into probit was performed. Using the same, effective concentration (EC) was determined.

Validity criteria fulfilled:

yes

Conclusions:

Based on the growth inhibition of green alga Chlorella vulgaris by the test chemical, the median effect concentration (ErC50) was determined to be 125.46 mg/l.

Executive summary:

A freshwater algal growth inhibition test was conducted for 72 hrs for assessing the effect of test chemical on green algae Chlorella vulgaris. The test was performed in accordance to OECD guideline No. 201 – Alga growth inhibition test under static condition. Initial cell density of the culture was kept at 10000 cells/ml. OECD medium composed of macronutrients, micronutrients, alkaline EDTA solution and iron solution was used as a growth medium. The test chemical was prepared by dissolving 50 mg of test chemical in 250 ml of BBM to get the final concentration of 200 mg/L. The remaining test solutions were prepared by dilution from the above stock solution. To have a better growth and visibility of cells, the initial cell density of the culture was kept 10000 cells/ml. Green algae were exposed to nominal concentration of test chemical ( 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/l) in 100 ml conical flasks. Test vessel were placed in orbital shaking incubator for 72 hrs at a room at a temperature of 22±2°C under a photoperiod of 16:8 hr light: dark conditions and with a continuous uniform illumination of 3000-4000 lux light intensity, respectively. The speed of the orbital shaking incubator was set at a 120 revolutions per minute throughout the study period. Control containing medium without test chemical was used for the study. The cultures were counted and observed daily with the help of an automated cell counter to verify a normal and healthy appearance of the algae cells and also to observe any abnormal appearance of the algae (as may be caused by the exposure of the test chemical). As per the OECD guideline No. 201 – Alga growth inhibition test, the biomass in the control cultures have increase exponentially by a factor of at least 16 within the 72 hr test period, the mean coefficient of variation by section specific growth rate in the control cultures not exceeded 35% and the coefficient of variation of average specific growth rate during the whole test period in replicate control cultures was not exceeded 10%, thus, fulfilling the validity of the criteria. All the cells appeared healthy, sickle shaped cells and green throughout the test duration in the control and in the experimental flask also no significant changes were observed up to the concentration of 16 mg/l. On the basis of growth rate of the test organism Chlorella vulgaris, the 72 hrs median effect concentration (ErC50) value was determined to be 125.46 mg/l. On the basis of the EC50 value, chemical was considered to be non-toxic to aquatic algae and hence, considered to be 'not classified' as per the CLP classification criteria.

Description of key information

A freshwater algal growth inhibition test was conducted for 72 hrs for assessing the effect of test chemical on green algae Chlorella vulgaris (Experimental report, 2017). The test was performed in accordance to OECD guideline No. 201 – Alga growth inhibition test under static condition. Initial cell density of the culture was kept at 10000 cells/ml. OECD medium composed of macronutrients, micronutrients, alkaline EDTA solution and iron solution was used as a growth medium. The test chemical was prepared by dissolving 50 mg of test chemical in 250 ml of BBM to get the final concentration of 200 mg/L. The remaining test solutions were prepared by dilution from the above stock solution. To have a better growth and visibility of cells, the initial cell density of the culture was kept 10000 cells/ml. Green algae were exposed to nominal concentration of test chemical ( 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/l) in 100 ml conical flasks. Test vessel were placed in orbital shaking incubator for 72 hrs at a room at a temperature of 22±2°C under a photoperiod of 16:8 hr light: dark conditions and with a continuous uniform illumination of 3000-4000 lux light intensity, respectively. The speed of the orbital shaking incubator was set at a 120 revolutions per minute throughout the study period. Control containing medium without test chemical was used for the study. The cultures were counted and observed daily with the help of an automated cell counter to verify a normal and healthy appearance of the algae cells and also to observe any abnormal appearance of the algae (as may be caused by the exposure of the test chemical). As per the OECD guideline No. 201 – Alga growth inhibition test, the biomass in the control cultures have increase exponentially by a factor of at least 16 within the 72 hr test period, the mean coefficient of variation by section specific growth rate in the control cultures not exceeded 35% and the coefficient of variation of average specific growth rate during the whole test period in replicate control cultures was not exceeded 10%, thus, fulfilling the validity of the criteria. All the cells appeared healthy, sickle shaped cells and green throughout the test duration in the control and in the experimental flask also no significant changes were observed up to the concentration of 16 mg/l. On the basis of growth rate of the test organism Chlorella vulgaris, the 72 hrs median effect concentration (ErC50) value was determined to be 125.46 mg/l. On the basis of the EC50 value, chemical was considered to be non-toxic to aquatic algae and hence, considered to be 'not classified' as per the CLP classification criteria.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

EC50 for freshwater algae:

125.46 mg/L

Additional information

Experimental study of the test chemical and various supporting studies of its structurally and functionally similar read across chemicalwere reviewed for toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria end point which are summarized as below:

 

In an experimental study from study report (2017), a freshwater algal growth inhibition test was conducted for 72 hrs for assessing the effect of test chemical on green algae Chlorella vulgaris. The test was performed in accordance to OECD guideline No. 201 – Alga growth inhibition test under static condition. Initial cell density of the culture was kept at 10000 cells/ml. OECD medium composed of macronutrients, micronutrients, alkaline EDTA solution and iron solution was used as a growth medium. The test chemical was prepared by dissolving 50 mg of test chemical in 250 ml of BBM to get the final concentration of 200 mg/L. The remaining test solutions were prepared by dilution from the above stock solution. To have a better growth and visibility of cells, the initial cell density of the culture was kept 10000 cells/ml. Green algae were exposed to nominal concentration of test chemical ( 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/l) in 100 ml conical flasks. Test vessel were placed in orbital shaking incubator for 72 hrs at a room at a temperature of 22±2°C under a photoperiod of 16:8 hr light: dark conditions and with a continuous uniform illumination of 3000-4000 lux light intensity, respectively. The speed of the orbital shaking incubator was set at a 120 revolutions per minute throughout the study period. Control containing medium without test chemical was used for the study. The cultures were counted and observed daily with the help of an automated cell counter to verify a normal and healthy appearance of the algae cells and also to observe any abnormal appearance of the algae (as may be caused by the exposure of the test chemical). As per the OECD guideline No. 201 – Alga growth inhibition test, the biomass in the control cultures have increase exponentially by a factor of at least 16 within the 72 hr test period, the mean coefficient of variation by section specific growth rate in the control cultures not exceeded 35% and the coefficient of variation of average specific growth rate during the whole test period in replicate control cultures was not exceeded 10%, thus, fulfilling the validity of the criteria. All the cells appeared healthy, sickle shaped cells and green throughout the test duration in the control and in the experimental flask also no significant changes were observed up to the concentration of 16 mg/l. On the basis of growth rate of the test organism Chlorella vulgaris, the 72 hrs median effect concentration (ErC50) value was determined to be 125.46 mg/l.

 

Another toxicity to aquatic algae test was conducted for 72 hrs for assessing the effect of test chemical on green algae Chlorella vulgaris. The test was performed in accordance to OECD guideline No. 201 – Alga growth inhibition test under static condition. Initial cell density of the culture was kept at 10000 cells/ml. OECD medium composed of macronutrients, micronutrients, alkaline EDTA solution and iron solution was used as a growth medium. The test chemical was prepared by dissolving 50 mg of test chemical in 250 ml of BBM to get the final concentration of 200 mg/L. The remaining test solutions were prepared by dilution from the above stock solution. To have a better growth and visibility of cells, the initial cell density of the culture was kept 10000 cells/ml. Green algae were exposed to nominal concentration of test chemical ( 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/l) in 100 ml conical flasks. Test vessel were placed in orbital shaking incubator for 72 hrs at a room at a temperature of 24±2°C under a photoperiod of 16:8 hr light: dark conditions and with a continuous uniform illumination of 3000-4000 lux light intensity, respectively. The speed of the orbital shaking incubator was set at a 120 revolutions per minute throughout the study period. Control containing medium without test chemical was used for the study. The cultures were counted and observed daily with the help of an automated cell counter to verify a normal and healthy appearance of the algae cells and also to observe any abnormal appearance of the algae (as may be caused by the exposure of the test chemical). As per the OECD guideline No. 201 – Alga growth inhibition test, the biomass in the control cultures have increase exponentially by a factor of at least 16 within the 72 hr test period, the mean coefficient of variation by section specific growth rate in the control cultures not exceeded 35% and the coefficient of variation of average specific growth rate during the whole test period in replicate control cultures was not exceeded 10%, thus, fulfilling the validity of the criteria. All the cells appeared healthy, sickle shaped cells and green throughout the test duration in the control and in the experimental vessels black dotted rings were observed inside the cells in concentrations of 200mg/l. On the basis of growth rate of the test organism Chlorella vulgaris, the 72 hrs median effect concentration (ErC50) value was determined to be 213.816 mg/l.

 

On the basis of the above results, it can be concluded that the test chemicalcan be considered as non-toxic to aquatic algae and hence, considered to be ‘not classified’ as per the CLP classification criteria.