Ethylbenzene

Short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates

Description of key information

Three key studies were identified that provided results of acute toxicity tests with invertebrates to ethylbenzene, including freshwater invertebrates (Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia) and one used the mysid shrimp.   

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Fresh water invertebrates

Fresh water invertebrates

Effect concentration:

1.8 mg/L

Marine water invertebrates

Marine water invertebrates

Effect concentration:

2.6 mg/L

Additional information

Numerous acute toxicity tests were available with the freshwater cladoceran, Daphnia magna and one chronic study with Ceriodaphnia dubia. Toxicity results for a variety of saltwater invertebrates were also available. Three key studies were identified with endpoints for Daphnia magna, Mysidopsis bahia (now known as Americamysis bahia) and Ceriodaphnia dubia.  A key study identified with exposure of ethylbenzene to D. magna reported a 48-hr EC50 value that ranged from 1.8 to 2.4 mg/L. A second key study was chosen that used Ceriodaphnia dubia in a 7-day reproduction study and at 48 hr, the LC50 value was 3.2 mg/L. Only one key study was identified with a marine invertebrate, the mysid shrimp and the 96-hr LC50 value was 2.6 mg/L. The more conservative endpoint at 48 hours was selected from the D. magna study; therefore 1.8 mg/L was used as the key endpoint for freshwater invertebrates. Along with the three key studies, 6 supporting studies were available with a diverse assemblage of invertebrate species, with a further 10 studies considered unreliable or not assignable (Klimisch 3 or 4).