N-(1-oxotetradecyl)sarcosine

Toxicity to soil microorganisms

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Endpoint:

toxicity to soil microorganisms

Data waiving:

exposure considerations

Justification for data waiving:

other:

Description of key information

 The chemical safety assessment according to Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 does not indicate the need to investigate further toxicity testing with terrestrial organisms.

Additional information

In accordance with Annex IX, column 2 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, toxicity testing with terrestrial organisms does not need to be conducted as the Chemical Safety Assessment according to Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 does not indicate a need for further investigations.

N-(1-oxotetradecyl)sarcosine (CAS 52558-73-3) has a low to moderate adsorption potential due to the log Koc of 2.45-4.32 (Franco & Trapp, 2008). However, the substance is determined to be readily biodegradable and according to the Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment, Chapter R.7b, readily biodegradable substances can be expected to undergo rapid and ultimate degradation in most environments, including biological Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) (ECHA, 2017). Therefore, this substance has a low potential for persistence and chronic exposure of soil organisms is unlikely.

In addition, the substance has a low potential for bioaccumulation based on a log D of 1.52 at pH 7 and 0.63 at pH 9 (SPARC v4.6) and estimated log BCF values ranging from 10-306.9 L/kg (BCFBAF v3.01). These BCF-values are well below 2000 L/kg, the cut-off value defining a substance as Bioaccumulative (B) according to Annex XIII of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. Furthermore, available data on the metabolism and excretion of sarcosinates in mammals clearly indicate extensive and rapid excretion, and reduced bioaccumulation potential. Thus, the substance is not expected to bioaccumulate.

N-(1-oxotetradecyl)sarcosine (CAS 52558-73-3) is not classified for environmental hazards according to the Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) and following amendments (ATPs). All available effect concentrations (EC/LC50) are > 1 mg/L and the log D (used for ionisable substances instead of log Kow) is 1.52 at pH 7 and 0.63 at pH 9 (SPARC v4.6). Thus, according to Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment, R.7c (ECHA, 2017) N-(1-oxotetradecyl)sarcosine (CAS 52558-73-3) is in “Hazard category 1”. Therefore, in accordance with Annex IX, column 2 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, in the absence of toxicity data for soil organisms, the equilibrium partitioning method has to be applied to assess the hazard to soil organisms. The PNEC (soil) was derived with the Equilibrium Partitioning Method (EPM) for evaluation of the PEC/PNEC ratio. This screening assessment indicates no risk for the terrestrial compartment (RCR < 1; please refer to Chapter 9 and 10 of the Chemical Safety Report for detailed information). Thus, according to Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment, R.7c (ECHA, 2017), no toxicity testing for terrestrial organisms needs to be done.