Pyrocatechol

Short-term toxicity to fish

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to fish

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

comparable to guideline study with acceptable restrictions

Remarks:

The study followed the requirements of the current internationally recognized guidelines, except some minor discrepancies regarding water hardness and fish length. Otherwise, the experiment was described with an acceptable level of details. The compliance with GLP is not mentioned.

Qualifier:

equivalent or similar to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 203 (Fish, Acute Toxicity Test)

Deviations:

yes

Remarks:

Hardness, mean length of fish

GLP compliance:

not specified

Analytical monitoring:

yes

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

Well-water was used to dilute catechol and also served as the control water.
The diluters were calibrated to deliver 8 test solutions:
100% well-water, the highest desired concentration of toxicant, and 6 intermediate concentrations, each having 50 % less toxicant than the immediately higher concentrations.

Test organisms (species):

Oncorhynchus mykiss (previous name: Salmo gairdneri)

Details on test organisms:

Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were obtained from the State of Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Fish mean length : 8.7 cm,
Fish mean weight : 8.9 g.

All test animals were held in laboratory well water for at least 10 days prior to testing and observed for signs of disease or parasites. Fish infected with ecto-parasites were given a formalin-dip treatment, and held in fresh water for a minimum of 10 days before testing.
10 animals (5 when the number of test animals was limited) were added to each tank (two 28-L tanks for each concentration).

Test type:

flow-through

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

no

Total exposure duration:

96 h

Hardness:

707.3 (569-865.3) mg/L CaCO3

Test temperature:

14°C

pH:

8.1 (7.9-8.3)

Dissolved oxygen:

6.5 (3.9-8.0) mg/L

Salinity:

Not applicable

Nominal and measured concentrations:

A maximal concentration, and 6 intermediate concentrations, each having 50 % less toxicant than the immediately higher concentrations.
No more data.

Details on test conditions:

During the test, the temperature was 14°C, and the photoperiod 16 h light and 8 h dark. The replacement rate for each tank was adjusted to 6.2 tank volumes each day.
Water quality, other parameters:
free CO2 (mg/l): 3.1 (1.9-4.8),
conductivity (µhos/cm) : 1212.3 (1125-1320).
Standard methods (American Public Health Association 1975) were used to analyse the chemical characteristics and water dilutions of the test compounds. Chemical analyses were performed once during each test, except that dissolved O2 was monitored daily in the highest toxicant concentration
and in the control tanks.

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

8.9 mg/L

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

mortality (fish)

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not specified

Conclusions:

Catechol is toxic to the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) under the tested conditions.

Executive summary:

In a 96-h acute toxicity study (Degraeve, 1980), rainbow trouts (Salmo gairdneri) were exposed to Catechol under flow through conditions. The 96-h LC50 was found to be 8.9 mg/L. Catechol is toxic for fish in the tested conditions. This toxicity study is classified as acceptable and satisfies the guideline requirement for acute fish toxicity study.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to fish

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

comparable to guideline study with acceptable restrictions

Remarks:

This study was performed in accordance with the current internationally recognized guidelines. The experimental methods and the obtained results were fully described. Furthermore, analytical monitoring showed that the concentrations of the test substance were maintained during the test. The only restriction is that the compliance with GLP is not mentioned.

Qualifier:

equivalent or similar to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 203 (Fish, Acute Toxicity Test)

GLP compliance:

not specified

Analytical monitoring:

yes

Details on sampling:

Details on sampling :
- Concentrations: 8, 10, 12.5, 15.6 and 19.5 mg/L (nominal concentrations)
- Sampling method: every 24 hours, at approximately mid-depth.
- Sample storage conditions before analysis: analysed immediately or adequaly preserved for later analysis.

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

PREPARATION AND APPLICATION OF TEST SOLUTION
- Method: a stock solution of 135 mg/L was prepared by dilution and blending.
- Evidence of undissolved material (e.g. precipitate, surface film, etc): No
No more data.

Test organisms (species):

Pimephales promelas

Details on test organisms:

TEST ORGANISM
- Common name: Fathead minnow.
- Source: cultured at the US EPA Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth and the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus.
- Age at study initiation: 31 days.
- Mean weight : 97 +/- 32 mg
- Length at study initiation: Mean: 18.9 +/- 1.7 mm
- Method of breeding: Adults were held at 25°C in flowing water with 16-hr light controlled photoperiod and fed frozen adult brine shrimp. They were provided with asbestos pipes as spawning substrates, where naturally spawned and fertilized embryos attached to the underside. The substrates, with intact embryos, were removed daily and placed in another 25°C bath where hatching occurred. However, the spawning substrates were removed just prior to hatching at the UW-Superior culture unit, then placed in a rearing bath. Then fish had been reared in flow-through tanks in the lab's culture unit. Larvae were fed 40-48hr old brine shrimp nauplii in excess two times daily (once on week-end days). Embryos and larvae were cultured in water from the same source as used in the exposures to the test chemicals.
- Feeding during test: the feeding was interrupted 24h before the test.

ACCLIMATION: the fish were cultured in water from the same source as used in the exposures to the test chemicals.

Test type:

flow-through

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

no

Total exposure duration:

96 h

Hardness:

46 +/- 0.1 mg/l as CaCO3

Test temperature:

25.6 +/- 0.19°C

pH:

7.7 +/- 0.18

Dissolved oxygen:

6.4 +/- 0.63 mg/L

Salinity:

Not applicable

Nominal and measured concentrations:

The nominal and measured test concentrations were 8, 10, 12.5, 15.6, 19.5 and 7.89, 8.98, 10.8, 13.6, 17.5 mg/L of catechol, respectively.

Details on test conditions:

TEST SYSTEM
- Test vessel: tank volume 2L
- Aeration: No data
- Type of flow-through: modified 2-L cycling proportional diluter. Due to sensitivity of the chemical to light, the diluter was covered throughout the test.
- Renewal rate of test solution: 10 mL/min.
- No. of organisms per vessel: 20.
- No. of vessels per concentration (replicates): one.
- No. of vessels per control (replicates): one

WATER PARAMETERS
- Source/preparation of dilution water: Lake Superior water filtered through sand and a Fram filter, or dechlorinated water from the City of Superior, WI.
- Total organic carbon: No data
- Particulate matter: No data
- Metals: depending on the water used, the range of concentrations is as follows: Aluminium 0.6 - 26 µg/L, Cadnium <0.1 µg/L, Chronium <0.1 - 20 µg/L, Cobalt < 0.5 µg/L, Copper 0.3 - 6 µg/L, Iron 2-194 µg/L, Lead <0.1 - 20 µg/L, Manganese 0.2-11.5 µg/L, Nickel <0.5 - 1.3 µg/L, Zinc 1 - 3 µg/L.
- Pesticides: No data
- Chlorine:1.2-4.1 mg/L
- Alkalinity: No data
- Ca/mg ratio (mol): Ca concentrations depending on the water: 12.9 - 14.7 mg/L, Magnesium concentrations depending on the water: 2.9 - 3.6 mg/L
- Conductance: 78-138 µmhos/cm
- Culture medium different from test medium: No
- Intervals of water quality measurement: water temperature, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity and pH were measured daily.

OTHER TEST CONDITIONS
- Adjustment of pH: no data.
- Photoperiod: no data.
- Light intensity: no data.
- Alkalinity: 52.4 +/- 1.18 mg/L as CaCO3

EFFECT PARAMETERS MEASURED
Mortality, fish behaviour, morphological changes and toxic signs.
Upon test termination, individual control fish were weighed and measured. Four surviving fish taken in the control, the lowest concentration and the concentration nearest the LC50 were preserved in 10% buffered formalin for further histological examination.

TEST CONCENTRATIONS
- nominal test concentrations: 8, 10, 12.5, 15.6 and 19.5 mg/L
- Spacing factor for test concentrations: 1.25
- Range finding study: no data

Reference substance (positive control):

not specified

Key result

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

9.22 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

mortality (fish)

Remarks on result:

other: 95%CL: 8.62 - 9.87

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

9 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

behaviour

Remarks on result:

other: 95%CL: 8.47 - 9.56

Details on results:

Affected fish lost schooling behavior, were hyperactive and overreactive to external stimuli. They also had increased respiration and were darkly colored. Equilibrium loss was observed prior to death.

Reported statistics and error estimates:

The estimated LC50 with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Trimmed Spearman-Karber method.

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not specified

Conclusions:

Catechol is toxic to Pimephales promelas under the tested conditions.

Executive summary:

In a 96-hour acute toxicity study (Geiger, 1990), fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to Catechol at nominal concentrations of 0, 8, 10, 12.5, 15.6 and 19.5 mg/L under flow through conditions. The 96 h-LC50 was 9.22 mg/L. The EC50, based on sublethal behavioural and physiological effects, was 9 mg/L . Catechol is toxic for Pimephales promelas under the tested conditions. This toxicity study is classified as acceptable and satisfies the guideline requirement for acute fish toxicity study.

Reference 3

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to fish

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

comparable to guideline study with acceptable restrictions

Remarks:

This study was performed in accordance with the current internationally recognized guidelines. The experimental details were fully described. The compliance with GLP is not mentioned.

Qualifier:

equivalent or similar to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 203 (Fish, Acute Toxicity Test)

Deviations:

not specified

GLP compliance:

not specified

Analytical monitoring:

yes

Details on sampling:

- Separation method: HPLC, GC.

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

No data

Test organisms (species):

Pimephales promelas

Details on test organisms:

TEST ORGANISM
- Common name: fathead minnow.
- Source: laboratory cultured.
- Age at study initiation: 26 to 34-d old.
- Weight at study initiation: No data.
- Length at study initiation (lenght definition, mean, range and SD): No data.
- Method of breeding: No data.
- Feeding during test: no.

ACCLIMATION: yes.
- Acclimation period: 2-3h
- Acclimation conditions (same as test or not): same as test
- Type and amount of food: the fish were not fed 24h before nor during the toxicity tests
- Feeding frequency: no data
- Health during acclimation: no data

Test type:

flow-through

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

no

Total exposure duration:

96 h

Hardness:

45 mg/L as CaCO3

Test temperature:

25°C

pH:

7.8

Dissolved oxygen:

No data

Salinity:

Not applicable

Nominal and measured concentrations:

4 or 5 concentrations, no more data.

Details on test conditions:

TEST SYSTEM
- Test vessel: tests chamber constructed of glass and silicon sealant
- Test vessel type: open.
- Material, size, headspace, fill volume: No data
- Aeration: the water in the head-tanks was vigorously aerated to remove excess dissolved gases.
- Type of flow-through (e.g. peristaltic or proportional diluter): continuous water delivery.
- Renewal rate of test solution (frequency/flow rate): renewed daily. 40 or 25 mL/min, affording 99% replacement in about 2 h or 95% replacement in about 4h respectively.
- No. of organisms per vessel: 5
- No. of vessels per concentration (replicates): 4
- No. of vessels per control (replicates):2
- Biomass loading rate: No data

WATER PARAMETERS
- Source/preparation of dilution water: was taken directly from Lake Superior followed by sand filtration
- Alkalinity: 42mg/l as CaCO3

OTHER TEST CONDITIONS
- Adjustment of pH: no data
- Photoperiod: illuminated 16h daily
- Light intensity: 22-38 lumens/sq ft.

EFFECT PARAMETERS MEASURED: mortality

TEST CONCENTRATIONS: no data

Reference substance (positive control):

no

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

9.2 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

mortality (fish)

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not specified

Conclusions:

Catechol is toxic to Pimephales promelas under the tested conditions.

Executive summary:

In a 96-h acute toxicity study (Broderius, 1995), fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to Catechol under flow through conditions. The 96-h LC50 was 9.2 mg/L. Catechol is toxic for Pimephales promelas under the tested conditions. This toxicity study is classified as acceptable and satisfies the guideline requirement for acute fish toxicity study.

Description of key information

In Pimephales promelas, the 96-h LC50 was 9.22 mg/L. The EC50 based on sublethal effects (i.e. behavioural and morphological changes, toxic signs) was 9 mg/L. Catechol is thus toxic for Pimephales promelas under the tested conditions.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Fresh water fish

Fresh water fish

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect concentration:

9.2 mg/L

Additional information

Seven studies were available, and two of them (Geiger et al., 1990 and Broderius et al., 1995) were selected as key studies. Both were in reliability 2 according to Klimisch. In these 96-hour acute toxicity studies, Pimephales promelas were exposed to catechol at nominal concentrations of 0, 8, 10, 12.5, 15.6 and 19.5 mg/L under flow through conditions, and mortality was recorded. The 96-h LC50 was 9.22 mg/L. The EC50 based on sublethal effects (i.e. behavioural and morphological changes, toxic signs) was 9 mg/L. Catechol is toxic for Pimephales promelas under the tested conditions. These toxicity studies are classified as acceptable and satisfy the guideline requirements for acute fish toxicity study.

The other reliable study gave results in the same range as key studies (Degraeve, 1980): 96h-EC50 (Salmo gairdneri) = 8.9 mg/L, and was selected as a supporting study.

The other available data were in reliability 3 or 4.