Quaternary ammonium compounds, dicoco alkyldimethyl, nitrites

Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Study period:

March 24th, 1998 to March 27th, 1998

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Justification for type of information:

Since quaternary ammonium substances are to be expected to dissociate into their quaternary ammonium cations in the aquatic environment it is considered appropriate to read across from quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, chlorides to the structurally analogous quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, nitrites.

Furthermore, in certain organic solvents it has been reported that the exchange constants between nitrite and chloride in quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) are approximately equal. [Zhurnal Analiticheskoi Khimii, 2010, Vol. 65, No. 6, pp. 579–584. (E.M. Rakhman’ko, M.S. Markovskaya, L.S. Stanishevskii, Yu.S. Zubenko, A.R. Tsyganov)]


In this study Quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, chlorides, CAS Number 68391-05-9, EC Number 269-924-1) was subjected to a toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria study according to ISO test guideline 10253 in compliance with GLP.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across: supporting information

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

ISO 10253 (Water quality - Marine Algal Growth Inhibition Test with Skeletonema costatum and Phaeodactylum tricornutum)

Deviations:

no

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Not applicable

GLP compliance:

yes

Specific details on test material used for the study:

- Name of test material (as cited in study report): Arquad 2C-75
- Composition of test material, percentage of components: dicocodimethylammmonium chloride (75%)
- Lot/batch No.: 98-01-22
- Stability under test conditions: Assumed to be stable at test and storage conditions
- Storage condition of test material: At room temperature in the dark
- Others
- Water solubility: Dispersable

Analytical monitoring:

yes

Details on sampling:

Sampling not performed

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

A stock solution of the test substance was prepared by dissolving 1.0 g of the test substance with about 80 mL of deionised water. After stirring the volume was made up to a final volume of 1000 mL. The test solutions were prepared by addition of the required amounts of stock solution to the test vessels to obtain the following final nominal test concentration: 0.04, 0.09, 0.020, 0.043, 0.096 and 0.210 mg/mL. The extinction in each erlenmeyer was measured after 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Algal medium was used a blank in the spectrophotometer.

Test organisms (species):

Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Details on test organisms:

TEST ORGANISM
- Source (laboratory, culture collection): Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa, The Ferry house, Cumbria, Ambleside, United Kingdom
- Age of inoculum (at test initiation):
- Method of cultivation: After purchasing this strain was cultured and maintained according to Standard Operation Procedure E 3. Cultures on sloped agar tubes were stored at 4°C until required.

Test type:

static

Water media type:

saltwater

Hardness:

Not measured

Test temperature:

19.6 - 20.4 degrees C

pH:

7.9 - 8.4

Dissolved oxygen:

Not measured

Salinity:

Not measured

Nominal and measured concentrations:

Nominal concentrations: 0.004, 0.009, 0.020, 0.043, 0.096 and 0.210 mg/L

Details on test conditions:

TEST SYSTEM
- Test vessel: 100 mL erlenmeyers flasks
- Type (delete if not applicable): Closed-closed with cotton wool stoppers
- Material, size, headspace, fill volume: 100 mL erlenmeyers containing 40 mL of medium


GROWTH MEDIUM
The initial stock culture was inoculated with Phaeodactylum tricornutum from a sloped agar tube and checked for purity by microscopic means. This algal stock culture (40 mL) of Phaeodactylum tricornutum was regularly transferred to fresh medium to act as inoculum for testing. The extinction of an exponentially growing stock culture was measured. The cell density was determined using a calibration curve. From this algal culture a dilution was prepared to obtain an initial cell density of approximately 1 x 10^4 cell/mL in the test medium


OTHER TEST CONDITIONS
The culturing apparatus was a temperature-controlled illuminated orbital incubator in which the temperature was kept at 20 ± 1 °C and a continuous uniform illumination was provided in the spectral range of 400 to 700 nm by using 30 W fluorescent lamps of the type ‘universal white’ (colour temperature of approx. 4000 K) at a distance of approximately 0.35 m from the algal cultures. The culture flasks were rotated continuously at 100 rev/min to prevent sedimentation of the algae.

Reference substance (positive control):

yes

Remarks:

Potassium dichromate

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

0.06 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

biomass

Remarks:

Ebc50

Remarks on result:

other: 0.06-0.08 mg/L (95% CL)

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

0.13 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

growth rate

Remarks:

Erc50

Remarks on result:

other: 0.11-0.14 mg/L (95% CL)

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

NOEC

Effect conc.:

0.009 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Details on results:

The 72 h EbC50 and ErC50 of test material are 0.06 and 0.13 mg/L respectively. The NOEC determined from the results of the test compound is 0.009 mg/L, the LOEC is 0.02 mg/L.

Results with reference substance (positive control):

EbC50 and Erc50 values of the reference compound, potassium dichromate (5.4 and 27 mg/L, respectively, the increase of the extinction of the control over 72 h by a factor of 93 and by a maximum deviation of the pH of 0.5 unit

Reported statistics and error estimates:

Confidence limits were computed on the basis of Fieller's theorem. All computations were performed using the Akzo computer programme 'Algal' version 3.3. made in SAS.

Table 1. Mean Extinctions in definitive inhibition test.

Concentration	0h	24h	48 h	72 h
Control	0.005	0.021	0.098	0.430
0.004	0.005	0.021	0.095	0.414
0.009	0.004	0.018	0.092	0.405
0.02	0.004	0.018	0.086	0.369
0.043	0.005	0.019	0.089	0.397
0.096	0.005	0.007	0.038	0.172
0.210	0.005	0.000	0.003	0.007

 

Table 2. Inhibition algal growth and growth rate

Conc substance (in mg/L)	% inhibition growth	% inhibition growth rate
control	-	-
0.004	3.7	0.9
0.009	6.3	0.6
0.020	14.0	3.0
0.043	8.9	1.5
0.096	63.3	17.4
0.210	n.d.	n.d.

n.d. = not determined

Validity criteria fulfilled:

yes

Conclusions:

Under the test conditions, the 72 h EbC50 and ErC50 values of the test material (containing 75 % dicoco dimethyl ammonium chloride) for Phaeodactylum tricornutum were 0.06 mg/L (0.06 -0.08; 95% C.L) and 0.13 mg/L (0.11 -0.14; 95% C.L) respectively. The NOEC and LOEC were determined to be 0.009 and 0.02 mg/L respectively.

Executive summary:

The algal toxicity of test material (containing 75 % dicoco dimethyl ammonium chloride) was determined in the marine algal growth inhibition test with Phaeodactylum tricornutum in accordance with ISO test guideline 10253 in compliance with GLP.

This study is assigned a reliability score of 1 in accordance with the criteria for assessing data quality set forth by Klimisch et al (1997).

Since quaternary ammonium substances are to be expected to dissociate into their quaternary ammonium cations in the aquatic environment it is considered appropriate to read across from quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, chlorides to the structurally analogous quaternary dialkyldimethylammonium nitrites.

The toxicity of test material to exponentially growing Phaeodactylum tricornutum was determined over an exposure period of 72 h. The test was conducted in a mineral salts medium at a temperature of 20± 1 °C in an illuminated orbital incubator. The pH in the test media varied from 7.9 to 8.4.Based on the results of a range finding test, a definitive test was carried out at nominal concentrations of 0.004, 0.009, 0.02, 0.043, 0.096 and 0.21 mg/L.Under the test conditions, the 72 h EbC50 and ErC50 values of the test material (containing 75 % dicoco dimethyl ammonium chloride) for Phaeodactylum tricornutum were 0.06 mg/L (0.06 -0.08; 95% C.L) and 0.13 mg/L (0.11 -0.14; 95% C.L) respectively. The NOEC and LOEC were determined to be 0.009 and 0.02 mg/L, respectively.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Study period:

November 30th, 2009 to March 3rd, 2010

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Justification for type of information:

Since quaternary ammonium substances are to be expected to dissociate into their quaternary ammonium cations in the aquatic environment it is considered appropriate to read across from quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, chlorides to the structurally analogous quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, nitrites.

Furthermore, in certain organic solvents it has been reported that the exchange constants between nitrite and chloride in quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) are approximately equal. [Zhurnal Analiticheskoi Khimii, 2010, Vol. 65, No. 6, pp. 579–584. (E.M. Rakhman’ko, M.S. Markovskaya, L.S. Stanishevskii, Yu.S. Zubenko, A.R. Tsyganov)]


In this study Quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, chlorides, CAS Number 68391-05-9, EC Number 269-924-1) was subjected to a toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria study according to OECD Guideline 201 (Algae, Growth Inhibition Test) ISO test guideline 10253 in compliance with GLP.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across: supporting information

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 201 (Alga, Growth Inhibition Test)

Version / remarks:

Bulk approach applied, Natural water used

Deviations:

yes

Remarks:

Bulk approach applied, Natural water used

GLP compliance:

yes

Specific details on test material used for the study:

- Name of test material (as cited in study report): Quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18 alkyl dimethyl chloride
- Physical state: Yellow/ brown liquid
- Analytical purity: 99.6 %
- Lot/batch No.: 10-SK005
- Stability under test conditions: Biodegradation not expected during test period. Binding to glass and organic material is expected
- Storage condition of test material: In the original container in the dark.
- Other:
- Solubility: Expected to be of limited / low solubility

Analytical monitoring:

yes

Details on sampling:

- A sample of the stock solution was taken and a sample from each replicate of each concentration including the control was pooled at the beginning of the test just prior to addition of the algae.
- At the end of the test the 0.19 mg/L replicate was sampled and filtered prior to analysis.
- Samples were analyzed immediately applying the analytical procedure as described below. Using a validated extraction procedure also described in the report , the test chemical bound to the glassware at 0.19 mg/L was determined analytically.

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

PREPARATION AND APPLICATION OF TEST SOLUTION
- Method: A stock solution of 50.6 mg/L of the test substance was prepared by accurately weighing 50.6 mg of test substance, on an analytical balance. The test chemical was then added to approximately 80 mL the test media and left to stir thoroughly. To ensure a homogeneous dispersion the mixture was sonicated for 2 min. A slightly opaque homogeneous stock solution was achieved. After 1 h cooling whilst stirring this solution was transferred to a 1 L volumetric flask and was filled to the mark with the test media.

- The test solutions were prepared by addition of the adequate amounts of stock solution to the test vessels containing dilution water. The final volume of all vessels was 40 mL. A control containing only test medium was included in the test.

Test organisms (species):

Raphidocelis subcapitata (previous names: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Selenastrum capricornutum)

Details on test organisms:

TEST ORGANISM
- Strain: P. subcapitata (CCAP 278/4)
- Source (laboratory, culture collection): Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa, Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, Oban, Argyll, Scotland, UK
- Method of cultivation: After purchasing this strain was cultured and maintained. Cultures on sloped agar tubes were stored at 4°C until required. The initial stock culture was inoculated with P. subcapitata from a sloped agar tube and checked for purity by microscopic means. This algal stock culture (40 mL) of P. subcapitata was regularly transferred to fresh medium to act as inoculum for testing. The absorbance of an exponentially growing stock culture was measured. The cell density was determined using the calibration curve described below. From this algal culture a dilution was prepared to obtain an initial cell density of approximately 1x10(4) cells/mL in the test medium.

Test type:

static

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

no

Total exposure duration:

72 h

Post exposure observation period:

- At the end of the test 5 random samples were microscopically checked for purity of the algal culture. The 5 random samples checked at the end of the test pure and were not significantly contaminated with bacteria, although due to natural river water being used some bacteria were present.

Hardness:

ºdH = 6.62
Ca = 40.6mg/L
Mg=4.03 mg/L

Test temperature:

21.5- 22.35 °C

pH:

8.0

Dissolved oxygen:

No data

Salinity:

No data

Nominal and measured concentrations:

- Nominal concentrations: 0, 0.02, 0.06, 0.19, 0.625 and 2.0 mg/L.
- Measured concentrations were >80% of the nominal concentrations in the highest 3 concentrations and the stock solution. The recovery fell slightly below 80% in the other concentrations.
Enough evidence is present to demonstrate that the correct amount of test substance was added to the test vessels. Loss can be accounted by adhesion to suspended matter and is expected.

Details on test conditions:

TEST SYSTEM
- Test vessel: Erlenmeyer flasks
- Type of flow-through (e.g. peristaltic or proportional diluter): Test vessels were swirled continuously at a speed sufficient to prevent sedimentation of the algae.
- No. of vessels per concentration (replicates): 3
- No. of vessels per control (replicates): 6
- No. of vehicle per control(replicates): 3 (without algae)

GROWTH MEDIUM
- Standard medium used: yes


OTHER TEST CONDITIONS
- Light intensity and quality: 60 to 120 µm-2.s-1, continuous uniform illumination was provided in the spectral range of 400 to 700 nm by using fluorescent lamps at a distance of about 0.36 - 0.02 m from the algal cultures.
- The test was carried out in a temperature controlled illuminated orbital incubator, in which the temperature was maintained at 23 ± 2°C. The test vessels were swirled continuously at a speed sufficient to prevent sedimentation of the algae.

Reference substance (positive control):

yes

Remarks:

Potasium dichromate conducted twice annually

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

EC10

Effect conc.:

0.13 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (initial)

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

growth rate

Remarks on result:

other: 0.022-0.224 mg/L (95 % CL)

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

0.386 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (initial)

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

growth rate

Remarks on result:

other: 0.236-0.618 mg/L (95 % CL)

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

EC10

Effect conc.:

0.062 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (initial)

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

biomass

Remarks on result:

other: 0.006-0.0985 mg/L (95 % CL)

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

0.148 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (initial)

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

biomass

Remarks on result:

other: 0.088-0.217 mg/L (95 % CL)

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

NOEC

Effect conc.:

0.06 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (initial)

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

growth rate

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

LOEC

Effect conc.:

0.19 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (initial)

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

growth rate

Details on results:

A dose response curve with confidence limits was observed for both rate and biomass endpoints.

Results with reference substance (positive control):

- The sensitivity of the algae was checked by performing a growth inhibition test with a reference compound (potassium dichromate) twice a year, when the cultures are transferred from the sloped agar tubes. The sensitivity was tested for compliance with the guidelines.
- The observed EC50 values were between 0.25 and 2.0 mg/L.

Reported statistics and error estimates:

- The EC10, 50 values were computed from the best fitted line (least-squares method) through the points given by the probit of the percentage of inhibition and the logarithm of the concentration of the test substance.
- The LOEC was determined by comparison of the growth at each concentration and the control using threshold values from the William’s test. - Confidence limits were computed on the basis of Fieller’s theorem if possible.
- All computations were performed using the TOXCALC version 5.0 program.

Table 1. Natural surface water information

Parameter	Comment
Location	Heveadorp
Sample Date	11-02-2010
Conditions when sampled	Cloudy – 3 ºc
Colour	Light yellow
Conductivity	334 µs/cm
NPOC	2.0 mg/L
TSS	17.2 mg/L
Ammonium	0.052 mg/L
Nitrate	5.38 mg/L
Total phosphate	0.081mg/L
Total hardness	ºdH = 6.62 Ca = 40.6mg/L Mg=4.03 mg/L
pH(with added Nutrients)	8.0

Table 2. Raw data absorbance results

Concentration	Time (hours)				Area	Inhibition	Specific	Inhibition
(mg/L)	0h	24h	48h	72h		(%)	Growth rate	(%)
0.000	0.005	0.034	0.181	0.645	12.600		0.068
0.000	0.007	0.035	0.195	0.652	12.924		0.064
0.000	0.006	0.032	0.192	0.667	13.020		0.066
0.000	0.007	0.034	0.199	0.653	13.008		0.064
0.000	0.007	0.036	0.201	0.673	13.344		0.064
0.000	0.009	0.032	0.199	0.654	12.852		0.061
Mean	0.007	0.034	0.195	0.657	12.958		0.064	0.000
0.020	0.007	0.034	0.198	0.651	12.960		0.065
0.020	0.007	0.032	0.189	0.643	12.600		0.065
0.020	0.008	0.031	0.161	0.650	11.928		0.063
Mean	0.007	0.032	0.183	0.648	12.496	3.565	0.064	0.322
0.060	0.011	0.025	0.160	0.623	11.256		0.064
0.060	0.011	0.027	0.189	0.667	12.528		0.065
0.060	0.010	0.029	0.170	0.625	11.676		0.066
Mean	0.011	0.027	0.173	0.638	11.820	8.782	0.065	-0.862
0.190	0.008	0.015	0.050	0.237	3.924		0.050
0.190	0.008	0.012	0.059	0.308	4.920		0.055
0.190	0.008	0.013	0.066	0.302	5.040		0.054
Mean	0.008	0.013	0.058	0.282	4.628	64.285	0.053	17.798

0.625	0.007	0.009	0.015	0.025	0.456		0.018
0.625	0.006	0.006	0.010	0.020	0.264		0.017
0.625	0.007	0.007	0.009	0.021	0.216		0.015
Mean	0.007	0.007	0.011	0.022	0.312	97.592	0.016	74.380
2.000	0.005	0.000	0.000	0.010	-0.180		0.007
2.000	0.004	0.000	0.000	0.009	-0.132		0.007
2.000	0.005	0.000	0.000	0.009	-0.192		0.006
Mean	0.005	0.000	0.000	0.009	-0.168	101.296	0.007	89.891

Table 3. Analytical Recoveries

 

Samples	T=0 % of nominal	T=72h % of nominal	Glass % of nominal
Control	--
0.02 mg/L	72.0
0.06 mg/L	78.3
0.19 mg/L	85.9	24.5**	42.1**
0.625 mg/L	83.8
2.0 mg/L	96.3
Stock sol.	92.9

Glass extraction method was validated and demonstrated as suitable

**Averages of three results

Validity criteria fulfilled:

yes

Conclusions:

Under the test conditions, the 72 h EbC50 and ErC50 values of the test material (containing 99.6 % quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18 alkyl dimethyl chloride) for Pseudokirchnerella subcapitata were 0.148 mg/L (0.088- 0.217; 95 % CL) and 0.134 mg/L (0.022- 0.224; 95 % CL) respectively. The NOEC and LOEC were determined to be 0.06 and 0.19 mg/L respectively

Executive summary:

The algal toxicity of test material (containing 99.6 % quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18 alkyl dimethyl chloride) was determined in the fresh water algal growth inhibition test with accordance with OECD guideline 201 in compliance with GLP.

This study is assigned a reliability score of 1 in accordance with the criteria for assessing data quality set forth by Klimisch et al (1997).

Since quaternary ammonium substances are to be expected to dissociate into their quaternary ammonium cations in the aquatic environment it is considered appropriate to read across from quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, chlorides to the structurally analogous quaternary dialkyldimethylammonium nitrites.

The toxicity of test material to exponentially growing Pseudokirchnerella subcapitata was determined over an exposure period of 72 h. The test was conducted in a culture media by diluting OECD stock mineral salts in an appropriate vessel with natural surface water at a temperature of 23 ± 25 °C in an illuminated orbital incubator. The pH in the test media varied from 8.0.

The test was carried out at nominal concentrations of 0, 0.02, 0.06, 0.19, 0.625 and 2.0 mg/L.

Under the test conditions, the 72 h EbC50 and ErC50 values of the test material (containing 99.6 % quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18 alkyl dimethyl chloride) for Pseudokirchnerella subcapitata were 0.148 mg/L (0.088- 0.217; 95 % CL) and 0.134 mg/L (0.022- 0.224; 95 % CL) respectively. The NOEC and LOEC were determined to be 0.06 and 0.19 mg/L, respectively.

Reference 3

Endpoint:

toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Study period:

2005

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Justification for type of information:

Quaternary ammonium substances are to be expected to dissociate into their quaternary ammonium cations in the aquatic environment and the counter anion.

In the case of Quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, nitrites that anion will be "nitrite" (NO2−) which will associate with other cations in solution. It is therefore prudent to consider read across from sodium nitrite (CAS Number 7632-00-0, EC Number 231-555-9) in order to realise a fuller impression of the environmental properties of Quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, nitrites.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across: supporting information

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 201 (Alga, Growth Inhibition Test)

Deviations:

not specified

GLP compliance:

yes

Analytical monitoring:

yes

Details on sampling:

- Concentrations: 0 and 100 mg/L (replicates R1-R3 and R4-R6 pooled) at 0 and 72 hours for quantitiative analysis.- Sample storage conditions before analysis: Duplicate samples were taken at 0 and 72 hours and stored at approximately -20 deg C for further analysis if necessary.

Vehicle:

no

Test organisms (species):

Desmodesmus subspicatus (previous name: Scenedesmus subspicatus)

Details on test organisms:

TEST ORGANISM- Common name: green algae- Strain: CCAP 276/20- Source (laboratory, culture collection): Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa, Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, Oban, Argyll, Scotland- Age of inoculum (at test initiation): - Method of cultivation: Cultures were maintained in the laboratory by the periodic replenishment of the culture medium. - Pretreatment: The culture was maintained in the laboratory at a temperature of 21 ±1 °C under conditions of continuous illumination (7000 lux) and constant aeration

Test type:

static

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

yes

Total exposure duration:

72 h

Test temperature:

24 ±1 °C

pH:

7.3 (0 hours) - 7.8 (72 hours)

Details on test conditions:

TEST SYSTEM- Test vessel: - Material, size, headspace, fill volume: 250 mL glass conical flasks fitted with foam bungs containing 100 mL of solution.- Initial cells density: 10,000 cells/mL- No. of vessels per concentration (replicates): 6- No. of vessels per control (replicates): 3- Shaking: Constant saking at 150 rpm

TEST MEDIUM - NaNO3: 25.5 mg/L - MgCl2.6H2O: 12.164 mg/L- CaCl2.2H2O:4.41 mg/L- MgSO4.7H2O: 14.7 mg/L- K2HPO4: 1.044 mg/L- NaHCO3: 15 mg/L- H3BO3: 0.1855 mg/L- MnCl2.4H2O: 0.415 mg/L- ZnCl2: 0.00327 mg/L- FeCl3.6H2O: 0.159 mg/L- CoCl2.6H2O: 0.00143 mg/L- Na2MoO4.2H2O: 0.00726 mg/L- CuCl2.2H2O: 0.000012 mg/L- Na2EDTA.2H2O: 0.30 mg/L- Na2SeO3.5H2O: 0.000010 mg/LOTHER TEST CONDITIONS- Light intensity and quality: continious illumination; 7000 lux

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

> 100 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (not specified)

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

growth rate

Key result

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

NOEC

Effect conc.:

100 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (not specified)

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

growth rate

Conclusions:

In an algal growth inhibition study [OECD TG 201], green alga (Desmodesmus subspicatus, formerly known as Scenedesmus subspicatus) the 72-h ErC50 and the 72-h EbC50 were determined to be > 100 mg/L

Executive summary:

The algal growth inhibition study of sodium nitite (CAS Number 7632-00-0, EC Number 231-555-9) has been reported in the Screening Information Dataset (SIDS) Initial Assessment Report for Sodium Nitrite (2005) as a secondary source, the primary source reported as the Japan Fertilizer and Ammonia Producers Association (JAFA) (2005). Sodium Nitrite: Algal Inhibition Test. Safepharm Laboratories Ltd., Report No. 2104/001. Unpublished Data.

This study is assigned a reliability score of 1 in accordance with the criteria for assessing data quality set forth by Klimisch et al (1997).

Since quaternary ammonium substances are to be expected to dissociate into their quaternary ammonium cations in the aquatic environment and the counter anion, the counter anion in this case being "nitrite" (NO2−), it is considered prudent to read across from sodium nitrite  (CAS Number 7632-00-0, EC Number 231-555-9) in order to realise a fuller impression of the environmental properties of Quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, nitrites.

The SIDS dossier, as a secondary source, reports an algal growth inhibition study [OECD TG 201], green alga (Desmodesmus subspicatus, formerly known as Scenedesmus subspicatus) was exposed under static conditions to sodium nitrite at nominal concentrations of 0 and 100 mg/L for 72 hours. The 72-h ErC50 and the 72-h EbC50 were > 100 mg/L (Primary source is Japan Fertilizer and Ammonia Producers Association [JAFA] {2005}. Sodium Nitrite: Algal Inhibition Test. Safepharm Laboratories Ltd., Report No. 2104/001. Unpublished Data)

Description of key information

Algae studies are presented on the read across substances, quaternary ammonium compounds, di-C12 -18 -alkyldimethyl, chlorides and on sodium nitrite.

As a consequence the values utilised are as follows :-

EC50 (freshwater algae) = 0.148 mg/l

EC50 (marine water algae) = 0.06 mg/l

NOEC (freshwater algae) = 0.06 mg/l

NOEC (marine water algae) = 0.09 mg/l

Key value for chemical safety assessment

EC50 for freshwater algae:

0.148 mg/L

EC50 for marine water algae:

0.06 mg/L

EC10 or NOEC for freshwater algae:

0.06 mg/L

EC10 or NOEC for marine water algae:

0.09 mg/L