1,4-bis(2,3-epoxypropoxy)butane

Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

Description of key information

The substance was reported to have low toxicity to the green algae (Pseudokirchnerella subcapitata), with a 72-h EL50 value for growth rate of greater than 160 mg/L (nominal), and for biomass of 110 mg/L (nominal) in an OECD guideline study (Test No. 201). Results of the study were as follows:

NOELR (72-hour) = 40 mg/L (growth rate, and biomass)

EL20 (72-hour) = 140 mg/L (growth rate)

EL20 (72-hour) = 57 mg/L (biomass)

EL50 (72-hour) = >160 mg/L (growth rate)

EL50 (72-hour) = 110 mg/L (biomass)

Key value for chemical safety assessment

EC50 for freshwater algae:

160 mg/L

EC10 or NOEC for freshwater algae:

40 mg/L

Additional information

The growth inhibition effect of the substance on Pseudokirchnerella subcapitata was assessed over a period of 72-hours, and the study was conducted in compliance with the OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals No. 201, and in accordance with the Principles of GLP (Vryenhoef, 2010). A study was conducted with Water Accommodated Fractions (WAFs) at 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/L loading rate, with three replicates, and under static conditions. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis of the test preparations was performed at 0 and 72 hours. Analysis of the test preparations at 0 hours showed a concentration dependant increase in measured concentrations in the range of 8.56 to 95.91 mg C/L whilst at 72-hours measured concentrations in the range of 6.79 to 93.73 mg C/L were obtained. Given that the toxicity cannot be attributed to a single component or a mixture of components but to the test item as a whole, the results were based on nominal loading rates only. Based on growth rate, and biomass, the 72-h EL50 is >160 mg/L and 110 mg/L, respectively.