2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenol

Bioaccumulation: aquatic / sediment

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

bioaccumulation in aquatic species: fish

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

2016-2017

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 305 (Bioaccumulation in Fish: Aqueous and Dietary Exposure) -I: Aqueous Exposure Bioconcentration Fish Test

Deviations:

no

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

EPA OPPTS 850.1730 (Fish Bioconcentration Test)

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes (incl. QA statement)

Radiolabelling:

yes

Remarks:

Radiochemical purity: 99.8%; the radiochemical purity was determined before its use in the study and at the end of the study

Details on sampling:

Water and fish were sampled for radioactivity measurement during the uptake and depuration periods. Both water samples and fish samples were collected concurrently and always prior to first feeding on the sampling day.
Water samples (10 mL per sample) are collected directly from the middle of the test vessel and analyzed on the same day of sampling or stored in a refrigerator if necessary. Additional water samples are taken between the scheduled sampling days in order to control the proper function of the dilution system. These measurements are of lower accuracy (1 minute program) and are not used to calculate the mean measured concentration of the test substance in water. However, deviations of more than ±20% from the nominal concentration are reported.
At each sampling time, 5 fish were removed from the test vessel using a net and were sacrificed by immersion in a buffered anesthetic solution (MS222) followed by a brief rinse under running tap water. This procedure also removed residual test solution from the surfaces of the organisms. The fish were blotted dry then weighed and total length measured. Since fish were too large to be combusted whole, they were dissected and combusted in up to 6 parts comprising the whole fish: edible (fillet; muscle tissue only to the extent possible); and non-edible (remaining fish including carcass & viscera: head, gills, bones, skin and internal organs). The parts from each fish were weighed (the total weight of the fish was calculated from the individual parts) and dried separately on filter paper overnight then combusted in an oxidizer and analyzed by liquid scintillation as soon as possible. Since the same number of fish are removed from the control group at the same time, the biological loading (fish/water) in the control and in the test group was kept equivalent.
At each sampling time 5 control fish were sacrificed for radioactivity background correction and to determine lipid content. For background correction, two fish were dried and combusted identically as the fish from the concentration group. The lipid content was determined in the remaining 3 control fish which were stored in a freezer until analyzed. The control fish sampled at additional time points were discarded.
The sampling schedule was determined using the estimated Pow (log Pow = 6.5) to calculate estimates of k2 and time for effective steady state (tess) according to equations in OECD 305. The calculated tess is 864 days which is impractically long for the execution of a study. According to the OECD 305, the estimated values generated with the provided equations should be used with caution, especially if the test substance is outside the applicability domain. The equation is based on a limited data set predominated by chlorobenzenes and in the present case the test substance is clearly not within the applicability domain of the equation. Thus, the calculated tess of 864 days is not regarded as a reliable indicator of the time needed to reach effective steady state conditions. The optimal uptake duration to generate a statistically acceptable kinetic BCF should be between the time required to reach at least 50% of steady-state (i.e. 0.69 / k2 = 12 days) but not more than 95% of steady-state (i.e. 50 days). The duration of depuration should be at least half of the uptake phase. Due to the uncertainty of the calculated values based on the equation provided in the guideline, a preliminary minimized test (experimental conduct in accordance with GLP but without a GLP status) was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the test design. Fish were exposed to test substance at 0.3 μg/L (with 0.02 mL/L acetone) for uptake period of 15 days followed by a clean water depuration period of 7 days. Water and fish were sampled on 4 occasions during uptake and 3 occasions during depuration. Measured concentrations of test substance in centrifuged water samples as total radioactive residues (TRR) remained within ± 20% of the mean measured concentration, 0.28 μg/L. Thus truly dissolved concentrations of the test substance were consistently maintained over this time. Steady state conditions in fish tissues were not reached over the uptake period. However the data were suitable to calculate kinetic rate constants (k1 and k2) as well as a kinetic BCF with a first order (one compartment) model. Using the k2 derived from the preliminary experiment, the time needed to reach 50% steady state is approx. 10 days (t50 = 0.69 / 0.07) so a 28 day uptake period should be sufficient for the definitive experiment. Fish lipid content and growth rate were not determined as part of the preliminary test and the fish originated from a different batch than used in the definitive test. Thus the preliminary calculated BCFK value should be treated judiciously.

Vehicle:

yes

Remarks:

Acetone

Details on preparation of test solutions, spiked fish food or sediment:

The test substance is sparingly water soluble and several attempts were made to prepare solutions without using a co-solvent. First a solid-liquid saturator technique was used to prepare a stock solution at the functional limit of solubility under test conditions. Briefly, this technique involves coating the bottom surface of a stock solution tank with the test substance to generate a saturated aqueous solution. To facilitate substance handling, the test substance was weighed (0.06 mg) and then dissolved in approx. 20 mL acetone. The acetone solution was checked for complete dissolution of the test substance, then the solution was distributed on the bottom of the stock solution tank. All the acetone was then completely evaporated to leave a thin layer of test substance coating the bottom of the stock solution tank. Afterwards 12 L of dilution water was added and the stock solution was stirred with a paddle stirrer at the test temperature up to 8 days. After 8 days approx. 0.4 µg/L was measured in the stock solution and this concentration was measured again after 14 days in filtered samples confirming that it is the functional limit of solubility. This level was not sufficiently high to use as a stock to prepare a test concentration of 0.3 µg/L under flow through conditions for the uptake period.
In a second attempt to generate a saturated stock solution a saturation column was prepared. Saturation columns are generally regarded as the best way to achieve and maintain a saturated solution of a poorly soluble chemical without the use of solvent and guidance on the preparation and use of saturation columns is available. The saturation column was prepared by weighing approx. 1.9 mg of test substance and dissolving this mass in approx. 200 mL acetone. The solvent solution was then poured over glass wool (approx. 20 g) in a stainless steel pan and the solvent was completely evaporated leaving the test substance adhered to the glass wool. The loaded glass wool was rolled and packed into a glass column (50 cm long with 2.8 cm internal diameter) fitted with a plug of cellulose filter paper to keep particulate material in the column. Silicon stoppers fitted with a short glass tubes were attached to the ends of the column, which was then connected to a peristaltic pump (500 series, Watson Marlow GmbH, Germany) via a short length flexible tubing (Marprene®, Watson Marlow GmbH, Germany). The packed column was rinsed with dilution water (flow rate <1 L/h) for about one day then the effluent was collected into a stock solution tank. Measurements from the stock solution tank after 2 hours and 1 day decreased from 40.6 µg/L to 9.0 µg/L. Effluent samples collected directly from the column outflow tube gave measured concentrations of 0.085 µg/L at day 1, 0.058 µg/L at day 2 and 0.034 µg/L at day 5 with a flow rate of 44 mL/min. The measured concentrations were not stable and were far below the desired target exposure concentration and the functional limit of solubility identified by the solid liquid saturator.
The attempts to prepare saturated solutions without solvent were unsuccessful so the feasibility of using a solvent stock solution was evaluated. Since the target test concentration represents dissolved test substance below the functional water solubility, using a solvent stock solution is the only practical choice. DMF and acetone were evaluated as potential solvents and used to prepare stock solutions at 200 µg/L. Each stock solution was diluted to achieve a target concentration of 0.3 µg/L. Analysis of filtered and centrifuged samples from the DMF test solution tank gave recoveries of ≤80% of nominal. In the acetone stock solution trial, the analytical recovery was 87% of nominal in centrifuged samples. Based on this data acetone is the preferred solvent to prepare the test substance concentration.
To achieve the target test concentration, a concentrated stock solution in acetone was prepared (15mg/L). Fresh stock solutions were prepared weekly. Approx. 1.2 mg of the [14C] test substance was weighed into a glass vial. The weighed radiolabeled test substance was stored in a freezer (approx. -18°C or colder) until use. First a small volume of acetone was added to dissolve the radiolabeled test substance then this acetonic solution was added to a glass flask, followed by several more acetone rinses of the weighing vessel to insure complete transfer of all test substance. Further acetone was added to the flask to achieve the final target volume.
Fresh stock solutions were generally prepared and exchanged on a weekly basis. Throughout the exposure period the stock solution was continuously diluted with aerated dilution water at a constant rate (flow controlled by a rotameter) per test group. The control stock solution was renewed at each fresh preparation time of the test substance stock solution. The final concentration of acetone in both test groups was held constant at 20 µL/L.
The flow rates were calibrated (maximum deviation less than 10%) before the exposure was started and checked weekly during exposure. The required test temperature of 13 ± 1 °C was ensured by adjusting the dilution water temperature prior to entering the mixing tanks.
The flow through system was allowed to saturate (for 4 days) with samples of test water collected and analyzed (without a GLP status) to monitor test concentrations during this time. Exposure was started once stable analytical results were obtained. The true dissolution of the test substance was demonstrated by analyzing centrifuged solutions prior to the start of exposure. Centrifuges tubes were conditioned with test solution at least 3 x 30min prior to sample collection.
Theoretical radioactivity in the solutions: 871 dpm / 10 mL in the test solution 0.3 µg/L

Test organisms (species):

Oncorhynchus mykiss (previous name: Salmo gairdneri)

Details on test organisms:

Species: Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Origin: All fish are taken from the same batch of fish of the same origin with the same hatch date.
Supplier: Forellenzucht Trostadt GbR, Dorfstrasse 7, 98646 Trostadt, Germany
Sex: Juvenile male and female fish. Sex was not determined in this study.
Body size / age at start of exposure: Body weight: overall mean of 2.22 g/fish (±0.26, SD) with a range of 1.71 – 2.54 g/fish. The minimum fish body weight was 67% of the maximum body weight.
Body length (overall mean): 6.3 cm ±0.3
Hatch date: approx. 15 Feb 2016
Arrival in the test facility: 17 May 2016
The fish were approximately 5 months old at the start of exposure.
Reason for species selection: Rainbow trout are used routinely for toxicity tests in the test facility. According to the test guidelines rainbow trout are a suitable species for this test.

Route of exposure:

aqueous

Justification for method:

aqueous exposure method used for following reason:

Remarks:

According to ECHA's Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment, Chapter R.11: PBT/vPvB assessment, draft version 3.0, this route of expsure is preferred as the resulting BCF can directly be compared with the B and vB criteria.

Test type:

flow-through

Water / sediment media type:

natural water: freshwater

Total exposure / uptake duration:

28 d

Total depuration duration:

63 d

Hardness:

102 mg/L CaCO3

Test temperature:

13 °C

pH:

7.8 - 8.1

Dissolved oxygen:

7.2 - 10.2 mg/L

TOC:

Uptake period: 7.9 - 10.1 mg/L
Depuration period: 0.1 - 0.9 mg/L

Salinity:

n/a

Conductivity:

n/a

Details on test conditions:

Acclimazation: The fish were kept in the test facility under the same conditions as during the test for at least 14 days.
Housing: Prior to testing, the batch of fish were housed in a fiberglass tank (approx. 300 L) receiving a continuous flow through supply of fresh test water.
Temperature: 13 °C
Photoperiod: 16 hours light, 8 hours darkness
Feeding: Commercial trout diet: Inicio 917 1.1 mm (BioMar, 7330 Brande, Denmark), daily. Additionally, frozen brine shrimp (Artemia) are provided generally on workdays. The composition is suitable for the test species.
Amount of feed: During acclimazation approx. 1 - 2% of the mean body weight per day
Preliminary medical treatment: The test fish were not treated. The animals were visually inspected for their state of health upon arrival at the test facility and before the start of exposure. Only healthy fish were used. The mortality during the acclimazation time was < 1% per week.
Water temperature: 13°C
Aeration: The test vessels were not aerated
Photoperiod: 16 hours light, 8 hours darkness, illumination by fluorescent tubes at the ceiling of the room, control by timer
Apparatus: Flow through system
Test vessels: During the test the fish were maintained in silicon-sealed glass aquaria with an overflow at approx. 36 cm, dimensions: 80 x 35 x 55 cm; water volume approx. 100 L. One test vessel was used per test concentration.
Flow rate: Approx. 21 L/hour per test aquarium, approx. 5-fold volume exchange per day in the test vessels.
Loading: At start of the uptake period 80 fish with a mean body weight of 2.22 g (wet weight) were inserted into each test vessel. Therefore based on the flow rate of 504 L/d the loading was 0.35 g fish/L test water per day at start of the uptake period. During the rest of the uptake and depuration period the loading rate was decreased by removing fish from the test vessels for samples. Dilution water: The test water (dilution water) was aerated non-chlorinated drinking water obtained from the municipal water works of the city of Frankenthal (67227, Germany), additionally purified through a charcoal filter and diluted with deionized water to achieve a hardness of approximately 100 mg/L CaCO3. The mixed test water was sanitized by UV treatment prior to entering the aquaria. Generally the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the dilution water is <2.0 mg/L. The drinking water used to prepare the test water is regularly assayed for chemical contaminants by the municipal authorities of Frankenthal (67227, Germany) and the department Environmental Analytics Water / Steam Monitoring of BASF SE as well as for presence of microbes by a contract laboratory. On the basis of the analytical findings, the water was found to be suitable. The German Drinking Water Regulation (Trinkwasserverordnung) served as guideline for maximum tolerable contaminants. The results of periodic water quality analyses of the drinking water and the dilution water are to be found in the archives of the testing facility. The analytical data for the drinking water used for the preparation of the dilution water are archived with the raw data.
Feeding: Same as during acclimazation, however no Artemia were provided as food during the test.
Amount of food: Approx. 1% of the mean body weight per day, in 1 application per day. The amount of food was adapted to the number of fish in the test vessel after each sampling.
Food analysis for contaminants: The food is regularly analyzed for contaminants and the results are stored with the raw data. In view of the aim and duration of this study, the contaminants contained in commercial feed should have no influence on the results.
Cleaning of test vessels: The test vessels were cleaned at least once daily, generally no sooner than 30 minutes after the feeding, to remove residual food and excretion.

Each test group aquaria was uniquely identified with appropriate labels. The test substance was dissolved in acetone. The concentration of acetone in all test vessels was 0.02 mL/L. The control group received the solvent in the same concentration as the treatment group. In the interest of animal welfare, this study used only one concentration of test substance to determine bioconcentration as recommended in the 2012 revised OECD 305 test guideline for non-polar organic chemicals. Recent scientific publications provide compelling evidence that BCF values do not differ when multiple concentrations are tested. The test organisms were introduced into the test vessels according to a randomization plan prepared by using a program of the laboratory data evaluation group of the testing facility.

Nominal and measured concentrations:

nominal: 0.3 μg/L
measured: 0.33 ±0.02 μg/L

Reference substance (positive control):

no

Details on estimation of bioconcentration:

The radioactivity in the test solutions was reported as μg substance equivalent/kg (L) water. For the determination of the radioactivity in the fish the measured radioactivity of each combusted tissue sample is corrected for the background, burning factor and control fish. The radioactivity in the tissue is reported as weight equivalent in μg substance equivalent/kg fish. Since fish were too large to be combusted whole, they were dissected in up to 6 parts: head (1-2 parts, a, b), viscera and bones, skin and fins (non edible) and fillet (1- 2 parts, a, b, edible). Measured tissue concentration values from the separate parts were used to identify differences in bioaccumulation between tissue compartments. Whole fish concentration values are based on the sum of the concentrations in the individually measured dissected parts and normalized to the weight of the entire fish.

Calculation of the bioconcentration factor
Generally, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) at a specific sampling time was calculated by dividing the concentration in fish at this time, CF(t), by the mean value of the concentration in water (CW) during the uptake period. BCF values in this study were calculated based on the steady state concentration in fish from the plateau phase of the uptake period (BCFss). According to the OECD 305 (2012), a steady-state is reached when three successive analyses of CF made on samples taken at intervals of at least two days are within ± 20% of each other, and there is no significant increase of CF in time between the first and last successive analysis. The steady state bioconcentration factor (BCFss) was calculated according to the following formula:
BCFss = CFss / CWss
Where, CFss: Steady state concentration of the test substance in fish (μg/kg wet weight), mean of all concentration values in fish of samples taken after steady state was reached. CWss: Steady state concentration of the test substance in water (μg/L), mean of all concentration values in water. First order kinetic BCF values were based on all data collected during uptake and depuration periods by using both one- and two-compartment biokinetic models.

First order kinetics, one compartment model.
The kinetic bioconcentration factor (BCFK) is usually adequately described with a one compartment model (BCFK1) as described in the OECD 305 test guideline. BCFK1 was calculated using measured data from the uptake and depuration curves according to the following formula:
BCFK1 = k1 / k2
Where,
k1: Uptake rate constant from water (day -1)
k2: Depuration rate constant (day -1)
The uptake and depuration rate constants (k1 and k2) were derived by simultaneously fitting the measured concentrations in fish over time to the following function:
Uptake period: CF (t) / CW = (k1/k2)*(1-e-k2t), for 0 < t < tc
Depuration period: CF (t) / CW = (k1/k2)*(e-k2(t- tc)-e-k2t) for t > tc
Where,
CF (t): Concentration in fish as a function of time (μg test substance/kg wet weight)
Cw : Concentration in water during uptake period (μg test substance/L)
t: Time from start of exposure (day)
tc: Time at the end of the uptake phase (day), in this study day 28
k1: Uptake rate constant (day -1)
k2: Depuration rate constant (day -1)
Both formulas were combined to fit the measured data using the individual fish and water
values at each measurement time with the SAS-Procedure NLIN.
The time to reach 50% depuration (or depuration half-life, t1/2) is calculated according to the
formula: t1/2 = ln 0.5 / -k2. Similarly the time to reach 95% of the steady state concentration
during uptake was calculated as: ln 0.05 / -k2.

First order kinetics, two-compartment model.
For some substance classes, bioaccumulation data may not be adequately described by a onecompartment model. If depuration data is initially rapid then declines to a slower constant rate, the semi-logarithmic plot of CF versus time yields a curve. In such cases the biphasic measured data may have a better fit in a two compartment model. In a two compartment model, the uptake and depuration concentrations in fish over time are described by the following functions:
Uptake period: CF (t) / CW = A(1-e-α*t) + B(1-e-β*t), for 0 < t < tc
Depuration period: CF (t) / CW = A(e-α*(t- tc) - e-α*t) + B(e-β*(t- tc) - e-β*t) for t > tc
Where,
CF (t): Concentration in fish as a function of time (μg test substance/kg wet weight)
Cw : Concentration in water during uptake period (μg test substance/L)
t: Time from start of exposure (day)
tc: Time at the end of the uptake phase (day), in this study day 28
A: intercept of α phase (L/kg)
B: intercept of β phase (L/kg)
α: Distribution rate constant (day -1)
β: Terminal depuration rate constant (day -1)
Both formulas were combined to fit the measured data using the individual fish and water
values at each measurement time with the SAS-Procedure NLIN.
The rate constants for uptake and transfer between compartments are calculated using the
estimated two-compartment parameters as follows:
k12 = (A*α+B*β) Uptake rate constant
k21 = (α+β-((α*β)/k12))*(A+B)) Overall depuration rate constant
k32 = (α*β)/k21 Transfer rate constant from fish compartment 2 to compartment 1
k23 = α+β-k21-k32 Transfer rate constant from fish compartment 1 to compartment 2
The two-compartment bioconcentration factor is calculated from either the rate constants or the intercepts:
BCFK2 = (k12/(α*β))*(k23+k32) = A+B

The BCF values were further normalized to 5% fish lipid content and corrected for growth during the experiment.

Growth correction and lipid normalization
Since growth leads to a “dilution” of the test substance in the fish, the kinetic BCF calculation should be corrected for the growth rate. The depuration rate constant(s) (k2 for one compartment, k21, k32, and k23 for two-compartment model) consists of the true depuration rate constant and the growth rate constant. For the evaluation of the growth rate constants the individual weight data were converted to natural logarithms and plotted vs. time (day) separately for each test group, including data from the start of the uptake. A linear least squares correlation was calculated for each group and the variances of the slopes (growth rates) were statistically evaluated using student t-test (or ANOVA). Since there was no statistically significant difference between the slopes, the test and control data were pooled and an overall fish growth rate constant for the study (kg) was calculated as the overall slope of the linear correlation.

The one compartment BCFK1 was corrected by subtracting the calculated growth rate constant from the depuration rate constant (k2) to give the growth-corrected depuration rate constant (k2g).

Similarly, for the two compartment BCFK2 the overall depuration rate constant (k21) was growth corrected (k21g) by subtracting the kg and used to derive growth-corrected transfer rate
constants k32g, and k23g.

BCF results were adjusted to a guideline standard fish lipid content of 5% (w/w).

Lipid content:

1.6 %

Time point:

other: day 3

Lipid content:

2.7 %

Time point:

other: day 28

Lipid content:

3.1 %

Time point:

other: day 91

Key result

Conc. / dose:

0.332 µg/L

Temp.:

13 °C

pH:

7.8

Type:

BCF

Value:

415 L/kg

Basis:

whole body w.w.

Time of plateau:

21 d

Calculation basis:

steady state

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

lipid normalized to 5%

Conc. / dose:

0.332 µg/L

Temp.:

13 °C

pH:

7.8

Type:

BCF

Value:

1 063 L/kg

Basis:

whole body w.w.

Time of plateau:

21 d

Calculation basis:

kinetic, corrected for growth

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

lipid normalized to 5%; one compartment model

Conc. / dose:

0.332 µg/L

Temp.:

13 °C

pH:

7.8

Type:

BCF

Value:

1 286 L/kg

Basis:

whole body w.w.

Time of plateau:

21 d

Calculation basis:

kinetic, corrected for growth

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

lipid normalized to 5%; two compartment model

Elimination:

yes

Parameter:

DT50

Depuration time (DT):

19.7 d

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

one compartment model

Rate constant:

growth rate constant (d-1)

Value:

0.012

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

one compartment model

Rate constant:

overall uptake rate constant (L kg-1 d-1)

Value:

13.2

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

one compartment model

Rate constant:

overall depuration rate constant (d-1)

Value:

0.035

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

one compartment model

Rate constant:

growth-corrected depuration rate constant (d-1)

Value:

0.023

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

one compartment model

Rate constant:

growth-corrected half-life (d)

Value:

30.1

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

one compartment model

Rate constant:

overall uptake rate constant (L kg-1 d-1)

Remarks:

uptake rate constant k12

Value:

20.92

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

two compartment model

Rate constant:

overall depuration rate constant (d-1)

Remarks:

k21

Value:

0.105

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

two compartment model

Rate constant:

other:

Remarks:

k21g: growth-corrected k21

Value:

0.093

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

two compartment model

Rate constant:

other:

Remarks:

k32: Transfer rate constant from fish compartment 2 to compartment 1

Value:

0.016

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

two compartment model

Rate constant:

other:

Remarks:

k32g: growth-corrected k32

Value:

0.018

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

two compartment model

Rate constant:

other:

Remarks:

k23: Transfer rate constant from fish compartment 1 to compartment 2

Value:

0.027

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

two compartment model

Rate constant:

other:

Remarks:

k23g: growth-corrected k23

Value:

0.037

Remarks on result:

other:

Remarks:

two compartment model

Validity criteria fulfilled:

yes

Conclusions:

This study determined the bioconcentration potential of 14C-2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1- methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenol in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed via water in a flow-through-system at test concentration 0.3 μg/L and a dilution water control 0 (Control) over an uptake period of 28 days followed by a depuration period in clean water of 63 days. Concentrations in fish and water were determined on 6 occasions during uptake by measuring the total radioactivity. The mean measured concentrations of the test substance during the uptake period in water was 0.33 ±0.02 μg/L. The water concentration was kept constant within ±20% of the nominal concentration throughout the uptake period. During depuration the concentrations in water were measured on 3 occasions and in fish on 8 occasions. Over the entire test all water quality parameters were maintained within acceptable limits. No toxic effects (i.e. mortality) or changes in behavior or appearance were observed in the test treatment organisms in comparison to the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in fish growth rate between control and treatment group during the experiment, therefore data from both groups were combined to determine the overall growth rate (kg) for “growth-corrected” calculations. The lipid content of control fish sampled at the end of the uptake period (2.7%) was used for lipid normalization calculations. Total radioactive residues in fish were measured separately in edible (e.g. fillet) and non-edible (e.g. remaining carcass) portions and the whole fish value was calculated from the weight normalized sum of the individually measured portions. The measured values in fish tissues were within ±20% of each other from days 21 – 28, thus steady state concentration was reached by day 21 according to criterion in OECD 305. The BCFss was 224 as estimated based on measurements from days 21, 24, and 28. The uptake and depuration data were fit against one- and two-compartment first order kinetic models to derive uptake and depuration rate constants. However neither kinetic model adequately predicted the measured steady state conditions and the rate constants had wide confidence intervals. Due to the uncertainty of the predictions from the kinetic models, the most relevant BCF in this study is the steady state BCF normalized to 5% lipid content (BCFSSL) for the whole fish. In conclusion the bioconcentration factor BCFSSL was 415 for the whole fish based on total radioactive residues of 14C-2-(2Hbenzotriazol- 2-yl)-4,6-bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenol. The results in this study are consistent with all validity criteria and the test is valid according to the guidelines of this study. No deviations from test guidelines or other incidents occurred during the course of the reported test which may have influenced the results.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

bioaccumulation in aquatic species: fish

Type of information:

(Q)SAR

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Study period:

2017

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

results derived from a valid (Q)SAR model, but not (completely) falling into its applicability domain, with adequate and reliable documentation / justification

Justification for type of information:

1. SOFTWARE
OASIS Catalogic v5.11.19

2. MODEL (incl. version number)
BCF base-line model v02.09 - July 2016

3. SMILES OR OTHER IDENTIFIERS USED AS INPUT FOR THE MODEL
See section 'Test Material'.

4. SCIENTIFIC VALIDITY OF THE (Q)SAR MODEL
See attached QMRF.

5. APPLICABILITY DOMAIN
See attached QPRF.

6. ADEQUACY OF THE RESULT
- The model is scientifically valid (see attached QMRF).
- The model estimates the Bioconcentration factor (BCF) as required information point according to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 [REACH], Annex IX, 9.3.2 Bioaccumulation in aquatic species (preferably fish);
further related predictions: Apparent effect of mitigating factors / Maximum bioconcentration factor (BCFmax) / Maximum diameter of energetically stable conformers / Whole body primary biotransformation half-life / Metabolic biotransformation rate constant Km / Metabolites and their quantitative distribution
- See attached QPRF for reliability assessment.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Calculation using Catalogic v.5.11.19, BCF base-line model v.02.09

GLP compliance:

no

Details on estimation of bioconcentration:

BASIS FOR CALCULATION OF BCF
- Estimation software: OASIS Catalogic v5.11.19 [BCF base line model - v.02.09]

Type:

BCF

Value:

208.9 L/kg

Remarks on result:

other: considering all mitigating factors; the substance is not within the applicability domain of the model.

Type:

BCF

Value:

24 322 L/kg

Remarks on result:

other: without considering any mitigating factors; the substance is not within the applicability domain of the model.

Reference 3

Endpoint:

bioaccumulation in aquatic species: fish

Remarks:

The BCF for metabolites >=0.1% were modeled.

Type of information:

(Q)SAR

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Study period:

2017

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

results derived from a valid (Q)SAR model, but not (completely) falling into its applicability domain, with adequate and reliable documentation / justification

Justification for type of information:

1. SOFTWARE
OASIS Catalogic v5.11.19

2. MODEL (incl. version number)
BCF base-line model v02.09 - July 2016

3. SMILES OR OTHER IDENTIFIERS USED AS INPUT FOR THE MODEL
See section 'Test Material'.

4. SCIENTIFIC VALIDITY OF THE (Q)SAR MODEL
See attached QMRF.

5. APPLICABILITY DOMAIN
See attached QPRF.

6. ADEQUACY OF THE RESULT
- The model is scientifically valid (see attached QMRF).
- The model estimates the Bioconcentration factor (BCF) as required information point according to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 [REACH], Annex IX, 9.3.2 Bioaccumulation in aquatic species (preferably fish);
further related predictions: Apparent effect of mitigating factors / Maximum bioconcentration factor (BCFmax) / Maximum diameter of energetically stable conformers / Whole body primary biotransformation half-life / Metabolic biotransformation rate constant Km / Metabolites and their quantitative distribution
- See attached QPRF for reliability assessment.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Calculation using Catalogic v.5.11.19, BCF base-line model v.02.09

GLP compliance:

no

Details on estimation of bioconcentration:

BASIS FOR CALCULATION OF BCF
- Estimation software: OASIS Catalogic v5.11.19 [BCF base line model - v.02.09]

Type:

BCF

Value:

>= 5 - <= 437 L/kg

Remarks on result:

other: BCF corrected (considering all mitigating factors); range for all metabolites

Type:

BCF

Value:

>= 1 023 - <= 32 359 L/kg

Remarks on result:

other: BCF max; range for all metabolites

Reference 4

Endpoint:

bioaccumulation: aquatic / sediment

Type of information:

(Q)SAR

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

results derived from a valid (Q)SAR model and falling into its applicability domain, with adequate and reliable documentation / justification

Justification for type of information:

Please refer to QMRF and QPRF in the section "Overall remarks" and "Executive summary", respectively.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Estimation of BCF, BAF and biotransformation rate using BCFBAF v3.01

GLP compliance:

no

Test organisms (species):

other: fish

Details on estimation of bioconcentration:

BASIS INFORMATION
- Measured/calculated logPow: calculated

BASIS FOR CALCULATION OF BCF
- Estimation software: BCFBAF Program (v3.01) (part of EPI Suite v4.11)
- Result based on calculated log Pow of: 7.67

Key result

Type:

BCF

Value:

3 741 L/kg

Remarks on result:

other: The substance is within the applicability domain of the BCFBAF submodel: Bioconcentration factor (BCF; Meylan et al., 1997/1999).

Key result

Type:

BCF

Value:

446.1 L/kg

Remarks on result:

other: Upper trophic, incl. biotransformation estimates; The substance is within the applicability domain of the BCFBAF submodel: Arnot & Gobas BAF and steady-state BCF Arnot & Gobas, 2003).

Key result

Type:

BCF

Value:

5 207 L/kg

Remarks on result:

other: Upper trophic, incl. biotransformation rate of zero; The substance is within the applicability domain of the BCFBAF submodel: Arnot & Gobas BAF and steady-state BCF Arnot & Gobas, 2003).

Details on kinetic parameters:

Biotransformation half-life (days): 12.6 (normalised to 10 g fish)
Biotransformation rate (kM, normalised to 10 g fish at 15 °C): 0.05494 /day

BCFBAF Program (v3.01) Results:

==============================

SMILES : CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c2cc(c(O)c(c2)C(C)(C)c3ccccc3)n4nc5ccccc5n4

MOL FOR: C30 H29 N3 O1

MOL WT : 447.58

--------------------------------- BCFBAF v3.01 --------------------------------

Summary Results:

Log BCF (regression-based estimate): 3.57 (BCF = 3.74e+003 L/kg wet-wt)

Biotransformation Half-Life (days) : 12.6 (normalized to 10 g fish)

Log BAF (Arnot-Gobas upper trophic): 4.73 (BAF = 5.39e+004 L/kg wet-wt)

Log Kow (experimental): not available from database

Log Kow used by BCF estimates: 7.67

 

Equation Used to Make BCF estimate:

Log BCF = -0.49 log Kow + 7.554 + Correction

 

Correction(s):                   Value

Tert-Butyl ortho-phenol type   -0.222

 

Estimated Log BCF = 3.573 (BCF = 3741 L/kg wet-wt)

 

Whole Body Primary Biotransformation Rate Estimate for Fish:
TYPE	NUM	LOG BIOTRANSFORMATION FRAGMENT DESCRIPTION	COEFF	VALUE
Frag	1	Aromatic alcohol [-OH]	-0.4727	-0.4727
Frag	2	Carbon with 4 single bonds & no hydrogens	-0.2984	-0.5969
Frag	2	Unsubstituted phenyl group (C6H5-)	-0.6032	-1.2064
Frag	1	Triazole Ring	0.3225	0.3225
Frag	16	Aromatic-H	0.2664	4.2620
Frag	4	Methyl [-CH3]	0.2451	0.9804
Frag	1	Number of fused 6-carbon aromatic rings	-0.5779	-0.5779
Frag	1	Number of fused 5-carbon aromatic rings	0.0000	0.0000
Frag	3	Benzene	-0.4277	-1.2832
L Kow	*	Log Kow =  7.67 (KowWin estimate)	0.3073	2.3578
MolWt	*	Molecular Weight Parameter		-1.1478
Const	*	Equation Constant		-1.5371
RESULT	LOG Bio Half-Life (days)			1.1009
RESULT	Bio Half-Life (days)			12.62
NOTE	Bio Half-Life Normalized to 10 g fish at 15 deg C

 

Biotransformation Rate Constant:

kM (Rate Constant): 0.05494 /day (10 gram fish)

kM (Rate Constant): 0.0309 /day (100 gram fish)

kM (Rate Constant): 0.01737 /day (1 kg fish)

kM (Rate Constant): 0.00977 /day (10 kg fish)

 

Arnot-Gobas BCF & BAF Methods (including biotransformation rate estimates):

Estimated Log BCF (upper trophic) = 2.649 (BCF = 446.1 L/kg wet-wt)

Estimated Log BAF (upper trophic) = 4.732 (BAF = 5.391e+004 L/kg wet-wt)

Estimated Log BCF (mid trophic)  = 2.793 (BCF = 620.5 L/kg wet-wt)

Estimated Log BAF (mid trophic)  = 4.971 (BAF = 9.349e+004 L/kg wet-wt)

Estimated Log BCF (lower trophic) = 2.836 (BCF = 686.2 L/kg wet-wt)

Estimated Log BAF (lower trophic) = 5.117 (BAF = 1.309e+005 L/kg wet-wt)

 

Arnot-Gobas BCF & BAF Methods (assuming a biotransformation rate of zero):

Estimated Log BCF (upper trophic) = 3.717 (BCF = 5207 L/kg wet-wt)

Estimated Log BAF (upper trophic) = 7.155 (BAF = 1.429e+007 L/kg wet-wt)

Executive summary:

QPRF: BCFBAF v3.01

1.	Substance	See “Test material identity”
2.	General information
2.1	Date of QPRF	See “Data Source (Reference)”
2.2	QPRF author and contact details	See “Data Source (Reference)”
3.	Prediction
3.1	Endpoint (OECD Principle 1)	Endpoint	Bioaccumulation (aquatic)
		Dependent variable	- Bioconcentration factor (BCF) - Bioaccumulation factor (BAF; 15 °C) - Biotransformation rate (kM) and half-life
3.2	Algorithm (OECD Principle 2)	Model or submodel name	BCFBAF Submodels: 1) Bioconcentration factor (BCF; Meylan et al., 1997/1999) 2) Biotransformation rate in fish (kM; Arnot et al., 2008a/b) 3) Arnot & Gobas BAF and steady-state BCF Arnot & Gobas, 2003)
		Model version	v. 3.01
		Reference to QMRF	Estimation of Bioconcentration, bioaccumulation and biotransformation in fish using BCFBAF v3.01 (EPI Suite v4.11)
		Predicted value (model result)	See “Results and discussion”
		Input for prediction	Chemical structure via CAS number or SMILES; log Kow (optional)
		Descriptor values	- SMILES: structure of the compound as SMILES notation - log Kow - Molecular weight
3.3	Applicability domain (OECD principle 3)	Domains:
		1) Bioconcentration factor (BCF; Meylan et al., 1997/1999)
		a) Ionic/non-Ionic	The substance is non-ionic.
		b) Molecular weight (range of test data set): - Ionic: 68.08 to 991.80 - Non-ionic: 68.08 to 959.17 (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Ch. 7.1.3 Estimation Domain and Appendix G)	The substance is within range (447.57 g/mol).
		c) log Kow (range of test data set): - Ionic: -6.50 to 11.26 - Non-ionic: -1.37 to 11.26 (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Ch. 7.1.3 Estimation Domain and Appendix G)	The substance is within range (7.67).
		d) Maximum number of instances of correction factor in any of the training set compounds (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Appendix E)	Not exceeded.
		2) Biotransformation rate in fish (kM; Arnot et al., 2008a/b)
		a) The substance does not appreciably ionize at physiological pH. (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Ch. 7.2.3)	fulfilled
		b) Molecular weight (range of test data set): 68.08 to 959.17 (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Ch. 7.2.3)	The substance is within range (447.57 g/mol).
		c) The molecular weight is ≤ 600 g/mol. (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Ch. 7.2.3)	fulfilled
		d) Log Kow: 0.31 to 8.70 (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Ch. 7.2.3)	The substance is within range (7.67).
		e) The substance is no metal or organometal, pigment or dye, or a perfluorinated substance. (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Ch. 7.2.3)	fulfilled
		f) Maximum number of instances of biotransformation fragments in any of the training set compounds (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Appendix F)	Exceeded in one case. 16 instead of 15 aromatic H. Not regarded as relevant for the outcome of the result.
		3) Arnot & Gobas BAF and steady-state BCF Arnot & Gobas, 2003)
		a) Log Kow ≤ 9 (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Ch. 7.3.1)	fulfilled
		b) The substance does not appreciably ionize. (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Ch. 7.3.1)	fulfilled
		c) The substance is no pigment, dye, or perfluorinated substance. (On-Line BCFBAF Help File, Ch. 7.3.1)	fulfilled
3.4	The uncertainty of the prediction (OECD principle 4)	1. Bioconcentration factor (BCF; Meylan et al., 1997/1999) Statistical accuracy of the training data set (non-ionic plus ionic data): - Correlation coefficient (r^2) = 0.833 - Standard deviation = 0.502 log units - Absolute mean error = 0.382 log units   2. Biotransformation Rate in Fish (kM) Statistical accuracy (training set): - Correlation coefficient (r^2) = 0.821 - Correlation coefficient (Q^2) = 0.753 - Standard deviation = 0.494 log units - Absolute mean error = 0.383 log units   3. Arnot-Gobas BAF/BCF model No information on the statistical accuracy given in the documentation.
3.5	The chemical mechanisms according to the model underpinning the predicted result (OECD principle 5)	1. The BCF model is mainly based on the relationship between bioconcentration and hydrophobicity. The model also takes into account the chemical structure and the ionic/non-ionic character of the substance.   2. Bioaccumulation is the net result of relative rates of chemical inputs to an organism from multimedia exposures (e.g., air, food, and water) and chemical outputs (or elimination) from the organism.   3. The model includes mechanistic processes for bioconcentration and bioaccumulation such as chemical uptake from the water at the gill surface (BCFs and BAFs) and the diet (BAFs only), and chemical elimination at the gill surface, fecal egestion, growth dilution and metabolic biotransformation (Arnot and Gobas 2003). Other processes included in the calculations are bioavailability in the water column (only the freely dissolved fraction can bioconcentrate) and absorption efficiencies at the gill and in the gastrointestinal tract.

References

- Arnot JA, Gobas FAPC. 2003. A generic QSAR for assessing the bioaccumulation potential of organic chemicals in aquatic food webs. QSAR and Combinatorial Science 22: 337-345.

- Arnot JA, Mackay D, Parkerton TF, Bonnell M. 2008a. A database of fish biotransformation rates for organic chemicals. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 27(11), 2263-2270.

- Arnot JA, Mackay D, Bonnell M. 2008b.Estimating metabolic biotransformation rates in fish from laboratory data. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 27: 341-351.

- Meylan, W.M., Howard, P.H, Aronson, D., Printup, H. and S. Gouchie. 1997. "Improved Method for Estimating Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) from Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient", SRC TR-97-006 (2nd Update), July 22, 1997; prepared for: Robert S. Boethling, EPA-OPPT, Washington, DC; Contract No. 68-D5-0012; prepared by: ; Syracuse Research Corp., Environmental Science Center, 6225 Running Ridge Road, North Syracuse, NY 13212.

- Meylan, WM, Howard, PH, Boethling, RS et al. 1999. Improved Method for Estimating Bioconcentration / Bioaccumulation Factor from Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 18(4): 664-672 (1999). 

- US EPA (2012). On-Line BCFBAF Help File.

 

 

Identified Correction Factors (Appendix E), Biotransformation Fragments and Coefficient values (Appendix F)

Model:	BCFBAF v3.01
Substance:	Phenol, 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)-
CAS:	70321-86-7
SMILES:	CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c2cc(c(O)c(c2)C(C)(C)c3ccccc3)n4nc5ccccc5n4
Ionic/Non-ionic	non-ionic
Ionisation at physiological relevant pH	Substance does not ionise.
Molecular Weight:	447.57
Log Kow:	7.67 (calculated by KOWWIN Program v1.68)

Appendix E: BCF Non-Ionic Correction Factors Used by BCFBAF
The Training Set used to derive the BCF Correction Factors listed below contained a total of 431 compounds (see Appendix G for the compound list).  The number of compounds in the training set with logKow values of 1.0 to 7.0 total 396 compounds ... 35 training set compounds have a logKow value greater than 7.0 ... Compounds with logKow less than 1.0 were not used to derive correction factors.
Correction Factor	BCFBAF	No. compounds containing factor in training set	Maximum number of each fragment in any individual compound	No. of instances of each fragment for the current substance
Tert-Butyl ortho-phenol type	-0.222	8	1	1

Appendix F: kM Biotransformation Fragments & Coefficient Values

The Training Set used to derive the Coefficient Values listed below contained a total of 421 compounds (see Appendix I for the compound list).

Fragment Description	Coefficient value	No. compounds containing fragment in total training set	Maximum number of each fragment in any individual compound	No. of instances of each fragment for the current substance
Aromatic alcohol   [-OH]	-0.47273947	26	2	1
Carbon with 4 single bonds & no hydrogens	-0.29842827	47	10	2
Unsubstituted phenyl group (C6H5-)	-0.60319946	47	3	2
Triazole Ring	0.32253333	4	1	1
Aromatic-H	0.26637806	305	15	16
Methyl  [-CH3]	0.24510529	170	12	4
Number of fused 6-carbon aromatic rings	-0.577854	67	5	1
Benzene	-0.427728	197	3	3

Assessment of Applicability Domain Based on Molecular Weight and log Kow

1. Bioconcentration Factor (BCF; Meylan et al., 1997/1999)
Training set: Molecular weights	Ionic	Non-ionic
Minimum	68.08	68.08
Maximum	991.80	959.17
Average	244.00	244.00
Assessment of molecular weight	Molecular weight within range of training set.
Training set: Log Kow	Ionic	Non-ionic
Minimum	-6.50	-1.37
Maximum	11.26	11.26
Assessment of log Kow	Log Kow within range of training set.

 

2. Biotransformation Rate in Fish (kM; Arnot et al., 2008a/b)
Training set: Molecular weights
Minimum	68.08
Maximum	959.17
Average	259.75
Assessment of molecular weight	Molecular weight within range of training set.
Training set: Log Kow
Minimum	0.31
Maximum	8.70
Assessment of log Kow	Log Kow within range of training set.
3. Arnot-Gobas BAF/BCF (Arnot & Gobas, 2003)
Assessment of log Kow	Log Kow within acceptable range (log Kow <= 9).

 

 Remarks: The identified fragment " Number of fused 5-carbon aromatic rings" is not listed in Appendix F.

Reference 5

Endpoint:

bioaccumulation in aquatic species: fish

Type of information:

(Q)SAR

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

results derived from a valid (Q)SAR model and falling into its applicability domain, with adequate and reliable documentation / justification

Justification for type of information:

1. SOFTWARE
T.E.S.T. (version 4.2.1) (Toxicity Estimation Software Tool). US EPA, 2012.

2. MODEL (incl. version number)
T.E.S.T. (version 4.2.1)

3. SMILES OR OTHER IDENTIFIERS USED AS INPUT FOR THE MODEL
CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c1cc(C(C)(C)c2ccccc2)cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c1O

4. SCIENTIFIC VALIDITY OF THE (Q)SAR MODEL
See QMRF in section "Overall remarks, attachments".

5. APPLICABILITY DOMAIN
See QPRF in section "Executive summary".

6. ADEQUACY OF THE RESULT
- The model is scientifically valid (see QMRF).
- The model estimates the bioconcentration factor (BCF) as required information point under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 [REACH], Annex IX, 9.3.2 Bioaccumulation in aquatic species, preferably fish (see also QPRF).
- See QPRF for reliability assessment.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

T.E.S.T. is a toxicity estimation software tool. The program requires only the molecular structure of the test item, all other molecular descriptors which are required to estimate the toxicity are calculated within the tool itself. The molecular descriptors describe physical characteristics of the molecule (e.g. E-state values and E-state counts, constitutional descriptors, topological descriptors, walk and path counts, connectivity, information content, 2d autocorrelation, Burden eigenvalue, molecular property (such as the octanol-water partition coefficient), Kappa, hydrogen bond acceptor/donor counts, molecular distance edge, and molecular fragment counts). Each of the available methods uses a different set of these descriptors to estimate the toxicity. The bioaccumulation factor (BCF) was estimated using several available methods: hierarchical clustering method; FDA method, single model method; group contribution method; nearest neighbor method; consensus method. The methods were validated using statistical external validation using separate training and test data sets. The experimental data set was obtained from several different databases (Dimitrov et al., 2005; Arnot and Gobas, 2006; EURAS; Zhao, 2008). From the available data set salts, mixtures and ambiguous compoun ds were removed. The final data set contained 676 chemicals.

References:
- Dimitrov, S., N. Dimitrova, T. Parkerton, M. Combers, M. Bonnell, and O. Mekenyan. 2005. Base-line model for identifying the bioaccumulation potential of chemicals. SAR and QSAR in Environmental Research 16:531-554.
- Arnot, J.A., and F.A.P.C. Gobas. 2006. A review of bioconcentration factor (BCF) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) assessments for organic chemicals in aquatic organisms. Environ. Rev. 14:257-297.
- EURAS. Establishing a bioconcentration factor (BCF) Gold Standard Database. EURAS [cited 5/20/09]. Available from http://www.euras.be/eng/project.asp?ProjectId=92.
- Zhao, C.; Boriani, E.; Chana, A.; Roncaglioni, A.; Benfenati, E. 2008. A new hybrid system of QSAR models for predicting bioconcentration factors (BCF). Chemosphere 73:1701-1707.

GLP compliance:

no

Test organisms (species):

other: fish

Details on estimation of bioconcentration:

BASIS FOR CALCULATION OF BCF
- Estimation software: US EPA T.E.S.T. v4.2.1

Applied estimation methods:
- Hierarchical method : The toxicity for a given query compound is estimated using the weighted average of the predictions from several different cluster models.
- FDA method : The prediction for each test chemical is made using a new model that is fit to the chemicals that are most similar to the test compound. Each model is generated at runtime.
- Single model method : Predictions are made using a multilinear regression model that is fit to the training set (using molecular descriptors as independent variables).
- Group contribution method : Predictions are made using a multilinear regression model that is fit to the training set (using molecular fragment counts as independent variables).
- Nearest neighbor method : The predicted toxicity is estimated by taking an average of the 3 chemicals in the training set that are most similar to the test chemical.
- Consensus method : The predicted toxicity is estimated by taking an average of the predicted toxicities from the above QSAR methods (provided the predictions are within the respective applicability domains; recommended method by T.E.S.T. for providing the most accurate predictions).

Key result

Type:

BCF

Value:

361.16 dimensionless

Remarks on result:

other: method: consensus (average of reasonable results from all models); log BCF = 2.56; Based on the mean absolute error, the confidence in the predicted BCF values is low.

Model:	US EPA T.E.S.T. v4.2.1: Bioaccumulation in fish
Substance:	Tinuvin 234
CAS-#:	70321-86-7
SMILES:	CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c1cc(C(C)(C)c2ccccc2)cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c1O

 

Method	Predicted value				Model statistics							MAE (in log10)
												External test set		Training set
	log BCF	BCF			r²		q²		cluster models:	Number of chemicals		Entire set	Similarity coefficient >= 0.5	Entire set	Similarity coefficient >= 0.5
		Mittelwert	von	bis	von	bis	von	bis		von	bis
Consensus method	2.56	361.16										0.51	0.88	0.42	0.64
Hierarchical clustering	2.49	307.11	84.23	1119.69	0.662	0.776	0.569	0.733	6	98	540	0.54	1.03	0.23	0.38
Single model	2.41	255.35	18.6	3504.8	0.764		0.733		1.000	540		0.54	0.73	0.53	0.68
Group contribution	2.54	348.1	8.56	14159.55	0.719		0.527			499		0.62	0.97	0.60	0.48
FDA	3.23	1683.6	167.7	16902.01	0.813		0.659			30		0.57	0.87	0.53	1.19
Nearest neighbor	2.13	133.7								3		0.60	1.03	0.55	0.87

Legend:

MAE = mean absolute error

SC = similarity coefficient

r² = correlation coefficient

q² = leave one out correlation coefficient

Executive summary:

QPRF: Estimation of bioaccumulation in fish using T.E.S.T. 4.2.1 

1.	Substance	See “Test material identity”
2.	General information
2.1	Date of QPRF	See “Data Source (Reference)”
2.2	QPRF author and contact details	See “Data Source (Reference)”
3.	Prediction
3.1	Endpoint (OECD Principle 1)	Endpoint	Bioaccumulation (aquatic)
		Dependent variable	Bioconcentration factor (BCF)
3.2	Algorithm (OECD Principle 2)	Model or submodel name	US EPA T.E.S.T. 4.2.1: 1)    Hierarchical clustering 2)    FDA method 3)    Single model 4)    Group contribution 5)    Nearest neighbour 6)    Consensus
		Model version	v. 4.2.1
		Reference to QMRF	Estimation of bioaccumulation in fish using T.E.S.T. 4.2.1
		Predicted value (model result)	See “Results and discussion”
		Input for prediction	Chemical structure via CAS number, SMILES, MDL molfile, structure (drawing)
		Descriptor values	Molecular descriptors (calculated by T.E.S.T.)
3.3	Applicability domain (OECD principle 3)	General remarks	Predictions are considered only from valid models. Models which do not meet the constraints are listed in the output with a corresponding remark. If the substance is not within the applicability domain, no BCF is calculated.
		Hierarchical clustering	Within the applicability domain
		FDA method	Within the applicability domain
		Single model	Within the applicability domain
		Group contribution	Within the applicability domain
		Nearest neighbour	Within the applicability domain
		Consensus	Within the applicability domain
3.4	The uncertainty of the prediction (OECD principle 4)	The uncertainty of the predictions can be assessed by comparing the mean absolute error (MAE) of the entire dataset with the MAE of the dataset restricted to substances with a similarity coefficient (SC) of ≥ 0.5. If the MAE for the entire set is lower than the MAE for the similar substances (SC ≥ 0.5), the confidence in the predicted BCF value is high. The table below lists the information on q^2(leave one out correlation coefficient), r^2(correlation coefficient), MAE and SC of the models. Based on the MAE of the external and the training dataset, the confidence in the estimated BCF is assessed as follows.     Model Confidence in estimated BCF External test set: Training set: Consensus method low low Hierarchical clustering low low Single model low low Group contribution low high FDA low low Nearest neighbor low low
3.5	The chemical mechanisms according to the model underpinning the predicted result (OECD principle 5)	Molecular descriptors are used to develop the models. The overall pool of descriptors in the software contain 797 2-dimensional descriptors of the following classes: E-state values and E-state counts, constitutional descriptors, topological descriptors, walk and path counts, connectivity, information content, 2d autocorrelation, Burden eigenvalue, molecular property (such as the octanol-water partition coefficient), Kappa, hydrogen bond acceptor/donor counts, molecular distance edge, and molecular fragment counts. The descriptors used to describe the compound can be viewed in the model output details.

 Detailed information on q²(leave one out correlation coefficient), r²(correlation coefficient), MAE and SC: see section ‘Any other information on results incl. tables’.

Description of key information

Does not accumulate in organisms. 

Additional information

The bioaccumulative potential of the substance was determined in an experimental study conducted in 2017 according to OECD TG 305 (aqueous exposure). Furthermore, information from different QSAR models (Table 1) and molecular parameters (i.e. logKow, molecular weight and molecular dimensions) were used as supporting information. A second experimental study conducted for the Japanese authorities in 1980 was regarded as invalid as it used test concentrations of 0.1 and 1 mg/L which are clearly above the water solubility limit of the compound.

Additionally, the relevant metabolites identified under section 5.2 were assessed with information from OASIS Catalogic v5.11.19, BCF base-line model v.02.09 and further lines of evidence, e.g. logKow, general polarity.

 

Table 1: QSAR models used in the weight of evidence approach.

Software	Model	Sub-model
OASIS Catalogic v5.11.19	BCF base-line model v.02.09
T.E.S.T. v4.2.1	Hierarchical clustering
	FDA method
	Single model
	Group contribution
	Nearest neighbor
	Consensus
EPISuite v4.11	BCFBAF model v3.01	Regression-based estimate
		Arnot-Gobas BCF & BAF methods
VEGA v1.1.3	CAESASR v2.1.14
	Meylan v1.0.3
	KNN/Read-Across v1.1.0

 

 

Parent compound (CAS # 70321-86-7)

Experimental study

The experimental study was conducted based on the guidelines OECD 305 and US EPA OPPTS 850.1730. The test was conducted with radiolabeled substance due to the low water solubility and the analytical feasibility. The radiolabel was 2H-benzo-U-C14 and the radiochemical purity was 99.8%.

As the test substance is sparingly soluble a solid-liquid saturator technique was used to achieve a stock solution at the functional limit of solubility under test conditions.This technique involves coating the bottom surface of a stock solution tank with the test substance and stirring it at test temperature for up to 8d with a paddle stirrer to generate a saturated aqueous solution. After 8d approx. 0.4 µg/L was measured in the stock solution and this concentration was measured again after 14 days in filtered samples confirming that it is the functional limit of solubility. Therefore, the exposure concentration for the definitive test was set at 0.3 µg/L under flow-through conditions. This concentration is clearly below the water solubility limit of the test substance under test conditions. An underestimation of the BCF due to exposure above the solubility limit can therefore be ruled out. 

The fish were exposed to one concentration of test substance at 0.3μg/L in a flow-through-system for an uptake period of 28 days followed by a depuration period in clean water of 63 days. Over the entire test all water quality parameters were maintained within acceptable limits. No toxic effects (i.e. mortality) or changes in behavior or appearance were observed in the test treatment organisms in comparison to the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in fish growth rate between control and treatment group during the experiment, therefore data from both groups were combined to determine the overall growth rate (kg) for “growth-corrected” calculations. The mean lipid content of control fish was 1.6% at the start of exposure, 2.7% at the end of exposure and 3.1% at the end of the test period. Although lipid content increased relative to the start of exposure, values were relatively stable between day 28 and day 91. Since there was no statistical difference in growth, for calculation of the lipid corrected BCF the lipid content in control fish at the end of the uptake period (2.7%) was used.

Test substance concentrations in fish and water were determined during uptake by measuring the total radioactivity. The mean concentrations of test substance in water during the uptake phase (through day 28) were 0.33 ±0.02μg/L (111% of the nominal concentration). During the uptake period (up to day 28) the concentration of the test substance in water remained within ±20% of the nominal concentration. During depuration the concentration in water was measured on 3 occasions and in fish on 8 occasions. By day 1 of the depuration period, concentration in the test solution was less than 2% of nominal.

Total radioactive residues in fish were measured separately in edible (e.g. fillet) and non-edible (e.g. remaining carcass) portions and the whole fish value was calculated from the weight normalized sum of the individually measured portions. The measured values in fish tissues were within ±20% of each other from days 21 – 28, thus steady state concentration was reached by day 21 according to criterion in OECD 305. The BCFss was 224 as estimated based on measurements from days 21, 24, and 28. The uptake and depuration data were fit against one- and two-compartment first order kinetic models to derive uptake and depuration rate constants. However neither kinetic model adequately predicted the measured steady state conditions and the rate constants had wide confidence intervals. Due to the uncertainty of the predictions from the kinetic models, the most relevant BCF in this study is the steady state BCF normalized to 5% lipid content (BCFSSL) for the whole fish. In conclusion the bioconcentration factorBCFSSLwas415for the whole fish based on total radioactive residues of 14C-2-(2Hbenzotriazol- 2-yl)-4,6-bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenol.

 

 

QSAR calculations

As supporting information several QSAR models were used to calculate the BCF (Table 1). The results and further information on the reliability (e.g. applicability domain) can be found in Table 2.

 

Table 2: Results and further details of the supporting QSAR estimations.

Model	Results [L/kg]	Remarks
OASIS Catalogic v5.11.19; BCF base-line model v.02.09	209   [BCFmax = 24322]	- all mitigating factors applied - within parameter and mechanistic domain - outside structural fragment domain
T.E.S.T. v4.2.1; Hierarchical clustering	307	- within applicability domain - Confidence in the estimated BCF: low
T.E.S.T. v4.2.1; FDA method	1684	- within applicability domain - Confidence in the estimated BCF: low
T.E.S.T. v4.2.1; Single model	255	- within applicability domain - Confidence in the estimated BCF: low
T.E.S.T. v4.2.1; Group contribution	358	- within applicability domain - Confidence in the estimated BCF: low (external test set), high (training set)
T.E.S.T. v4.2.1; Nearest neighbor	134	- within applicability domain - Confidence in the estimated BCF: low
T.E.S.T. v4.2.1; Consensus	361	- within applicability domain - Confidence in the estimated BCF: low
EPISuite v4.11; BCFBAF model v3.01; regression-based estimate	3741	- within applicability domain
EPISuite v4.11; BCFBAF model v3.01; Arnot-Gobas BCF & BAF methods	446	- within the applicability domain - one Aromatic-H exceeded the maximum number of instances in the training set
VEGA v1.1.3; CAESAR v2.1.14	24	- outside of the applicability domain
VEGA v1.1.3; Meylan v1.0.3	7494	- outside of the applicability domain
VEGA v1.1.3; KNN/Read-Across v1.1.0	117	- outside of the applicability domain

 

The BCF base-line model v.02.09 integrated in OASIS Catalogic v5.11.19 reflects the current understanding of the process by which lipophilic organic chemicals are bioaccumulated in fish through the respiratory organs only. Chemicals bioaccumulating by other mechanisms (e.g., binding to proteins) are considered out of the mechanistic domain of the model. The model consists of two major components: a model for predicting the maximum potential for bioaccumulation based solely on chemicals’ lipophilicity (i.e., BCFmax model), and a set of mitigating factors that account for the reduction of the bioaccumulation potential of chemicals based on chemical (e.g., molecular size and ionization) and organism-dependent factors (e.g., metabolism). BCFmax model is a theoretical model based on the assumption that the only driving force of bioconcentration is lipophilicity and the effect of any other factors are insignificant. It mathematical formalism is derived considering multi-compartment diffusion. The bioconcentration predicted by BCFmax model could be limited by variety of mitigating factors that account for the reduction of the bioaccumulation potential of chemicals based on chemical and organism-dependent factors. The effect of mitigating factors mathematically is quantified by probabilities: to penetrate through the cell membrane, to be ionized, to be metabolized etc. In the BCF base-line model the tissue metabolism simulator is used to account for the effect of metabolism. It consists of a consequence of spontaneous abiotic and enzyme controlled steps. Probabilities of these molecular transformations are assessed by fitting the training set data. The CATALOGIC platform utilizes a multi-stage applicability domain that has been described by Dimitrov et al. (2005). The applicability domain of the BCF base-line model contains three layers: (1) General properties requirements. These requirements specify in the domain only those chemicals that fall in the range of variation of physicochemical properties that may affect significantly the quality of the measured endpoint. For the BCF base-line model attention is focused on lipophilicity (log KOW), molecular weight (MW) and water solubility (WS). Only correctly predicted chemicals from the training set are used to determine the range of variation of these properties. (2) The structural domain. It determines the maximum structural similarity between the target chemical and chemicals from the training set. The structural neighborhood of atom-centered fragments (ACF) accounting for 1st neighbors, atom type, hybridization and attached hydrogen atoms are used to determine this similarity. The target chemical could contain the following types of ACF:

-      Fragments present in correctly predicted training chemicals only (i.e. correct fragments)

-      Fragments found both in correctly and non-correctly predicted training chemicals (i.e. fuzzy fragments). These fragments are treated as correct fragments

-      Fragments present in non-correctly predicted training chemicals only (i.e. incorrect fragments),

-      Fragments not present in the training chemicals (i.e. unknown fragments).

(3) The mechanistic domain.It discriminates between modes of bioaccumulation - passive (partitioning in lipid phase) or active (based on protein binding). Only chemicals with expected passive diffusion driven bioaccumulation are considered to be in the mechanistic domain of the model.

In the present case, the substance fulfills the general properties requirements, i.e. its logKow, molecular weight and water solubility are within the ranges of the model. Furthermore, the substance is within the mechanistic domain, i.e. it is expected to be taken up by passive diffusion only. However, the substance is not in the structural domain. Only 50% of its fragments could be found in correctly predicted training set chemicals. The remaining 50% are not present in the training set chemicals. If a chemical is out of at least one of the specified layers mentioned above, it will be classified as out of the applicability domain. This classification means that the prediction falls in the extrapolation space but the prediction still could be reliable. The estimated BCF (all mitigating factors applied) was determined to be 208 L/kg. This results matches the experimentally derived BCFss values of 224 L/kg (not lipid-normalized) and 415 L/kg (lipid-normalized to 5%). The slight deviation to the lipid-normalized BCFss value of 415 L/kg might be explained with differing lipid contents of the training set compared to the normalization to 5% in the present experimental study. The training set of the BCF base-line model consists of 705 chemicals. Out of these, 560 chemicals are from MITI/NITE and 145 from ExxonMobil. At least the underlying experimental studies from MITI/NITE of the training set are not lipid-normalized to 5% which might be an explanation for the deviation of the calculated result and the lipid-normalized BCFss. Furthermore, the non-normalized BCFss of 224 L/kg almost perfectly matches the predicted BCF of 208 L/kg. Therefore, although the predicted result falls in the extrapolation space of the model the result is regarded as highly reliable.

The T.E.S.T. v4.2.1 package encompasses five separate methods to estimate the BCF. The sixth method is the consensus method which simply averages the results of the prediction from the other QSAR methodologies (taking into account the applicability domain of each method). This method typically provides the highest prediction accuracy since errant predictions are dampened by the predictions from the other methods. In addition, this method provides the highest prediction coverage because several methods with slightly different applicability domains are used to make a prediction. For the five separate methodologies, the results range from 134 to 1684. The averaged consensus result is 361. The models only make predictions if the substance is within the respective applicability domains. For the present case, the substance is within the applicability domains of the five models. However, the mean absolute errors regarding the similarity coefficients for both the external test sets and the training sets are above the respective thresholds. Therefore, the confidence in the estimated thresholds is low. Nevertheless, the result of the consensus method delivered a BCF of 361 which almost perfectly matches the experimentally derived BCFss of 224 and 415 L/kg, respectively. Therefore, the model is regarded as reliable for the present substance.

EPISuite v4.11 includes the BCFBAF model v3.01 which encompasses two BCF estimation methodologies. The regression-based model is based on the work from Meylan et al. (1997 and 1999). The second model is based on the works from Arnot and Gobas (2003) and includes estimates on the biotransformation rate in fish. The regression-based model derived a BCF value of 3741 L/kg based on a calculated logKow of 7.67 (a precise experimental value for logKow is not available). The substance was within the applicability domain of the model (molecular weight and logKow ranges). This result is far above the experimentally derived value which might be due to the decreasing correlation of the logKow and the logBCF for substances with higher logKow values. According to ECHA’s Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment, Chapter R.11: PBT/vPvB assessment draft version 3.0 (March 2017), the relationship between logKow and logBCF decreases at very high logKow (>6).The present compound has a calculated logKow of 7.67. Experimentally, both the shake flask method according to OECD 107 and the HPLC method according to OECD 117 revealed log Kow values > 6.5. The estimation of the logKow from the single solubilities (water solubility < 0.005 mg/L; octanol solubility≥1.1 g/L < 9.3 g/L) revealed a logKow of > 6.3. Due to these values, the correlation of the logKow and the logBCF is highly uncertain and probably the reason for the unrealistically high BCF value estimated by the regression-based model compared to the valid experimental result. Therefore, although the substance is within the applicability domain of the model the result is not regarded as reliable and not taken into account for the assessment of the bioaccumulative potential of the present substance.

The model based on the works of Arnot and Gobas (2003) takes the biotransformation rate of the compound into account and calculates BCF values for the upper, mid and lower trophic levels. The values for the present compound range from 446.1 (upper trophic level) to 686.2 (lower trophic level). The model assumes default lipid contents of 10.7%, 6.85% and 5.98% for the upper, middle and lower trophic levels, respectively. Usually, in the context of REACH a default lipid value of 5% is assumed which represents the average lipid content of the small fish used in OECD 305 studies. Thus, the higher lipid values of the Arnot-Gobas model can be regarded as reasonable worst-case scenarios as higher lipid contents are usually associated with a higher potential for bioaccumulation. The lipid-normalized (5%) BCF values would be 208, 453, and 574 L/kg, respectively. The compound is within the applicability domain of the model with the exception that the number of instances of each fragment for the current substance was exceeded in one case. The amount of aromatic-H was 16 instead of the maximum number of 15 in the training set. However, this exceedance is not expected to substantially influence the bioaccumulative behavior of the compound especially as it is only an aromatic-H. As the results of the model closely matches the experimental BCF results of 224 and 415 L/kg it is regarded as highly reliable for the present substance.

The current VEGA package v1.1.3 comprises three different models. (1) CAESAR v2.1.14, (2) Meylan v1.0.3 and (3) KNN/Read-Across v1.1.0. The applicability domain of the predictions is assessed using an Applicability Domain Index (ADI) that has values from 0 (worst case) to 1 (best case). The ADI is calculated by grouping several other indices, each one taking into account a particular issue of the applicability domain. Most of the indices are based on the calculation of the most similar compounds found in the training and test set of the model, calculated by a similarity index that consider molecule's fingerprint and structural aspects (count of atoms, rings and relevant fragments). In regards to the CAESAR model the following indices are checked: (1) Similar molecules with known experimental value, (2) accuracy (average error) of prediction for similar molecules, (3) concordance with similar molecules (average difference between target compound prediction and experimental values of similar molecules), (4) maximum error of prediction among similar molecules, (5) atom centered fragments similarity check, (6) model descriptors range check and (7) global AD index which takes into account all the previous indices in order to give a general global assessment on the applicability domain. For the present substance the assessment of the applicability domain revealed that the compound is out of the domain. Therefore, the model was not used as further supporting information for the assessment of the bioaccumulative potential.

The Meylan model is a reconstruction of the regression-based model integrated in EPISuite (Meylan et al. 1997, 1999). The original dataset from EPISuite has been processed and cleared from duplicates and compounds provided with structures that had problems. The final dataset has 662 compounds. Similar to the CAESAR model, the applicability domain is assessed with several indices. (1) Similar molecules with known experimental value, (2) accuracy (average error) of prediction for similar molecules, (3) concordance with similar molecules (average difference between target compound prediction and experimental values of similar molecules), (4) maximum error of prediction among similar molecules, (5) logP reliability, (6) model descriptors range check and (7) global AD index. The model predicted a BCF of 7494 but the substance was out of the applicability domain. The reason for the unrealistically high BCF (cf. to EPISuite) is probably the bad correlation between logKow and logBCF for substances with a high logKow value. The result is not regarded as reliable.

The KNN/Read-Across model performs a read-across on a dataset of 860 chemicals. The applicability domain takes the following indices into account: (1) Similar molecules with known experimental value, (2) accuracy (average error) of prediction for similar molecules, (3) concordance with similar molecules (average difference between target compound prediction and experimental values of similar molecules), (4) maximum error of prediction among similar molecules, (5) atom centered fragments similarity check, (6) global AD index. The model predicted a BCF of 117 L/kg but the substance is out of the applicability domain. It is not regarded as reliable.

 

Further information

The size of the molecule can be used to strengthen the evidence for a limited bioaccumulative potential of a substance. A parameter that directly reflects the molecular size of a substance is the average maximum diameter (DiamMax average). Very bulky molecules will less easily pass through the cell membranes. InECHA’s Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment, Chapter R.11: PBT/vPvB assessment draft version 3.0 (March 2017), it is stated that it appeared that for compounds with a DiamMax average larger than 1.7 nm the BCF will be less than 2000. The present compound has a DiamMax average of 1.64 nm. Its respective DiamMax Min and Max values are 1.49 and 1.74 nm. Although the proposed value of 1.7 nm is only exceeded by very bulky conformers it can be assumed that the compound is at least hindered in its uptake behavior due to its size which is relatively close the proposed threshold value.

Another line of evidence is the tissue absorption potential. According to ECHA’s Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment, Chapter R.11: PBT/vPvB assessment draft version 3.0 (March 2017), the ‘leakiness’ of a tissue, or its ability to allow a substance to passively diffuse through it, can be measured using trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and can be used to compare tissue capabilities. A low TEER value indicates the tissue has greater absorption potential. Data indicate that fish and mammalian intestines are equally ‘leaky’ and that fish gills are more restrictive, similar to the mammalian blood brain barrier. The TEER value for fish gills is given with 3500 ohm cm²compared to 400-2000 ohm cm²for the human blood-brain barrier. It can therefore be assumed that the gills as the main uptake barrier are less easily permeable for molecules.This assumption is supported by mammalian toxicological data. Physico-chemical data suggest a poor absorption of the test substance through skin and gastrointestinal wall. The oral repeat-dose studies as well as the teratology study confirm this assumption, since no or little effects were observed up to the highest doses administered. Exceptionally, liver effects were observed which however showed a trend to recovery during a test-article-free period. The absence of any other organ toxicity might indicate a rapid liver metabolism and elimination with no or little test substance reaching systemic circulation. An elevated bioaccumulation potential is highly unlikely.

As the uptake of an organic substance in aquatic organisms is driven by its hydrophobicity the logKow is a useful criterion to conclude on the bioaccumulative potential. According to ECHA’s R.11 guidance at logKow values between 4 and 5 the logBCF increases linearly with logKow. However, at very high logKow values (>6) a decreasing relationship between the two parameters is observed. Thus, a direct conclusion on the bioaccumulative potential based on the logKow is not possible for the present substance. Furthermore, as mentioned above the decreasing relationship between the two parameters is probably the reason why some of the QSAR models predicted very high BCF values. Another uptake mechanisms than passive diffusion driven by hydrophobicity is not expected for the present substance.

 

Conclusion for the parent substance

The parent substance is clearly not bioaccumulative. A valid and highly reliable experimental study determined a BCF value of 415 L/kg. This result could be confirmed by different QSAR predictions which predicted BCF values in the same range. Furthermore, data like DiamMax average, TEER and mammalian toxicological data are clear evidence of the substance not being bioaccumulative. Assessing all lines of evidence it can be concluded that the substance is not bioaccumulative. The BCF of the substance is clearly below the PBT/vPvB threshold values of 2000 and 5000, respectively.

 

Metabolites

In addition to the parent compound (CAS # 70321-86-7) the relevant metabolites were assessed regarding their potential to bioaccumulate. In the absence of experimental data, the metabolites were identified with CATALOGIC 301C v09.13 integrated in OASIS Catalogic v5.11.19. Only metabolites at the PBT-relevant quantity of 0.1% were taken into account. Out of these metabolites only metabolites with a logKow ≥ 4 have been further taken into account. According to ECHA’s Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment, Chapter R.11: PBT/vPvB assessment draft version 3.0 (March 2017), for the PBT and vPvB assessment a screening threshold value has been established, which is logKow greater than 4.5. The assumption behind this is that the uptake of an organic substance in aquatic organisms is driven by its hydrophobicity. For organic substances with a logKow value below 4.5 it is assumed that the B criterion, i.e. a BCF value of 2000 (based on wet weight of the organism, which refers to fish in most cases), is not exceeded. Therefore, the decision to take only metabolites with a logKow ≥ 4 presents a reasonable worst case. Ultimately, 20 metabolites could be identified which were further evaluated (Table 3). As a first step, the OECD QSAR Toolbox v3.4 was used to identify existing experimental data both on the degradability and the bioaccumulative potential for the identified metabolites. However, no experimental data could be found in the Toolbox for any of the metabolites. Therefore, in the absence of experimental studies, calculated BCF values from the BCF base-line model v.02.09 integrated in OASIS Catalogic v5.11.19 were used for the assessment. This model proved to be suitable and reliable for the prediction of the BCF for the parent compound. Its modeled BCF value almost perfectly matched the experimentally derived BCF value for the parent compound (cf. to the respective paragraph above). Therefore, it is regarded as reliable for the prediction of the BCF for the metabolites as well.

 

Table 3: Overview of the relevant metabolites identified with CATALOGIC 301C v09.13 and their calculated BCF values. Furthermore, information on the transformation processes and the amount of polar groups is listed.

SMILES	Quantity [%]	logKow^(1)	BCF^(2)	Transformation process	Remarks
CC(c1ccccc1)c1cc(C(C)(C)c2ccccc2)cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c1O	4.32	6.8	437	Phase I: Decarboxylation	1 hydroxyl group
CC(c1ccccc1)c1cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c(O)c(C(C)(C)c2ccccc2)c1	4.32	6.8	427	Phase I: Decarboxylation	1 hydroxyl group
CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c1cc(C(C)(C)c2ccc(O)c(O)c2)cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c1O	0.51	6.2	32	Phase I: Aromatic ring oxidation	3 hydroxyl groups
CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c1cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c(O)c(C(C)(C)c2ccc(O)c(O)c2)c1	0.51	6.2	32	Phase I: Aromatic ring oxidation	3 hydroxyl groups
CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c1cc(C(C)(C)c2ccccc2)cc(N2Nc3ccc(O)c(O)c3N2)c1O	0.51	6.2	32	Phase I: Aromatic ring oxidation	3 hydroxyl groups
CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c1cc(C(C)(C)c2ccccc2)cc(N2Nc3cc(O)c(O)cc3N2)c1O	0.51	5.9	25	Phase I: Aromatic ring oxidation	3 hydroxyl groups
CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c1cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c(O)c(C(O)=O)c1	1.39	5.3	6	Phase I: Bisphenol A cleavage	1 hydroxyl, 1 carboxyl group
CC(=O)c1cc(C(C)(C)c2ccccc2)cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c1O	7.47	5.1	117	Phase I: Bisphenol A cleavage	1 hydroxyl, 1 aldehyde group
CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c1cc(C(C)(C)C(O)=O)cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c1O	2.45	4.9	9	Phase I: Aldehyde oxidation	1 hydroxyl, 1 carboxyl group
CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c1cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c(O)c(C(C)(C)C(O)=O)c1	2.45	4.9	9	Phase I: Aldehyde oxidation	1 hydroxyl, 1 carboxyl group
CC(c1ccccc1)c1cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c(O)c(C(O)=O)c1	0.18	4.9	6	Phase I: Bisphenol A cleavage	1 hydroxyl, 1 carboxyl group
CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c1cc(C(O)=O)c(O)c(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c1O	6.69	4.8	6	Phase I: Aromatic ring oxidation	2 hydroxyl, 1 carboxyl group
CC(c1ccccc1)c1cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c(O)c(C(C)=O)c1	1.59	4.6	54	Phase I: Bisphenol A cleavage	1 hydroxyl, 1 aldehyde group
CC(C)(c1ccccc1)c1cc(C(O)=O)cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c1O	7.47	4.5	6	Phase I: Bisphenol A cleavage	1 hydroxyl, 1 carboxyl group
CC(c1ccccc1)c1cc(C(O)=O)c(O)c(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c1O	1.42	4.4	6	Phase I: Aromatic ring oxidation	2 hydroxyl, 1 carboxyl group
CC(=O)c1cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c(O)c(C(C)(C)c2ccccc2)c1	7.47	4.3	32	Phase I: Bisphenol A cleavage	1 hydroxyl, 1 aldehyde group
CC(=O)c1cc(C(C)(C)c2ccc(O)c(O)c2)cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c1O	0.15	4.1	5	Phase I: Bisphenol A cleavage	3 hydroxyl, 1 aldehyde group
CC(=O)c1cc(C(C)(C)c2ccccc2)cc(N2Nc3ccc(O)c(O)c3N2)c1O	0.15	4.1	6	Phase I: Bisphenol A cleavage	3 hydroxyl, 1 aldehyde group
CC(c1ccccc1)c1cc(C(O)=O)cc(N2Nc3ccccc3N2)c1O	1.59	4.0	6	Phase I: Bisphenol A cleavage	1 hydroxyl, 1 carboxyl group

⁽¹⁾Calculated within Catalogic.

⁽²⁾Calculated with the BCF base-line model v.02.09, Catalogic v5.11.19.

 

As for the parent substance, the metabolites fulfill the general properties requirements, i.e. their logKow values, molecular weights and water solubilities were within the ranges of the model. Furthermore, they were within the mechanistic domain, i.e. it is expected that they are taken up by passive diffusion only. However, as for the parent substance, the metabolites were not in the structural domain. The model identified 40 to 56% correct fragments, 44 to 58% unknown fragments and 0 to 7% incorrect fragments depending on the specific metabolite. As for the parent substance, none of the metabolites is therefore classified as “within domain” by the model. Nevertheless, the predictions are regarded as reliable due to the high correlation between the predicted and the experimental result for the parent compound. As the metabolites are structurally similar to the parent compound a similar correlation can be expected. Furthermore, no “borderline” cases could be identified were a metabolite is near a regulatory threshold, i.e. a BCF of 2000 or 5000. The identified BCF values are well below the PBT trigger of 2000 which provides a reasonable margin of safety. The predicted BCF values range from 437 down to only 6 L/kg. Depending on the specific metabolite, the influence of the mitigating factors differed. Details can be found in the QPRF attached to the endpoint study record. The DiamMax average values for the metabolites derived by the model ranged from 1.5 to 1.7 nm. In conclusion, according to the results from the BCF base-line model v.02.09, Catalogic v5.11.19 none of the metabolites can be regarded as bioaccumulative.

In addition to the predicted BCF values further information on the transformation processes derived by CATALOGIC 301C v09.13 were analyzed and considered to adequately conclude on the bioaccumulative potential. The general biotransformation process consists of phase I reactions followed by phase II reactions. Phase I reactions include oxidative, reductive and hydrolytic reactions and its goal is to transfer the substrate to a more soluble substance to increase water solubility. In the present case Catalogic predicted three phase I reactions relevant for the biotransformation/biodegradation of the parent substance and its metabolites. (1) decarboxylation, (2) aromatic ring oxidation, and (3) bisphenol A cleavage reactions. Except for the decarboxylation reactions which were only predicted for the first two metabolites, the other reactions lead to additional hydroxyl, aldehyde and/or carboxyl groups. These additional functional groups are responsible for the increased solubility and the decreasing logKow values. Subsequently, the decreasing logKow has an immediate effect on the bioaccumulative potential because the decreased lipophilicity leads to a reduced uptake by passive diffusion. Furthermore, the additional functional groups increase the polarity of the metabolites and consequently its hydration shell which further hinders the uptake through cell membranes. In Table 3 it can be clearly seen that both the logKow and the predicted BCF value strongly correlates with the polarity of the metabolite. Both the amount and the oxidative level have a direct impact on the predicted BCF as well as the logKow.

In conclusion, none of the relevant metabolites is regarded to be bioaccumulative. Their predicted BCF values are well below the PBT threshold of 2000. This assumption is further strengthened by the decreased lipophilicity (decreasing logKow values) as well as the increasing amount of polar functional groups causing an increased hydration shell which clearly hinders the uptake by passive diffusion through cell membranes.

 

 

 

References

Meylan, W.M., Howard, P.H, Aronson, D., Printup, H. and S. Gouchie.  1997.  "Improved Method for Estimating Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) from Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient", SRC TR-97-006 (2nd Update), July 22, 1997; prepared for: Robert S. Boethling, EPA-OPPT, Washington, DC; Contract No. 68-D5-0012; prepared by: ; Syracuse Research Corp., Environmental Science Center, 6225 Running Ridge Road, North Syracuse, NY 13212.

 Meylan,WM, Howard,PH, Boethling,RS et al. 1999.  Improved Method for Estimating Bioconcentration / Bioaccumulation Factor from Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 18(4): 664-672 (1999).

Arnot JA, Gobas FAPC. 2003. A generic QSAR for assessing the bioaccumulation potential of organic chemicals in aquatic food webs. QSAR and Combinatorial Science 22: 337-345.

Dimitrov S, Dimitrova N, Parkerton T, Comber M, Bonnell M and Mekenyan O. “Base-line model for identifying the bioaccumulation potential of chemicals”, SAR and QSAR in Environmental Research 16(6), 2005