Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: 267-097-1 | CAS number: 67786-25-8
Biodegradation in water: screening tests
Administrative data
Link to relevant study record(s)
Description of key information
under test conditions no biodegradation observed
Key value for chemical safety assessment
- Biodegradation in water:
- under test conditions no biodegradation observed
Additional information
The substance under registration OB 4 -MSA was tested for the ready biodegradability, according to modified OECD screening test OECD 301E and a degradation of about 11 % in 28 days was reported (Ellgehausen H., 1986). The result is supported by the outcomes from the BOD:COD ratio study available (Ciba-Geigy Ltd., 1992), thus it can be considered as non ready biodegradable. In fact, according to the endpoint specific ECHA guidance[1], the 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) can be used for classification purposes about the readily biodegradation potential.
Furthermore, the conclusion about ready biodegradability is consistent with the Zahn Wellens test results, in which a degradation of 3 % in 28 days was observed (Ciba Geigy Ltd., 1992). The studies presented suggest that the substance is neither readily nor inherently biodegradable.
The same behaviour was observed for the similar substance belonging to the Stilbene Fluorescent Whitening Agents OB 3a-MSA; it is he analogue dihydroxyethylamino derivative tetrasulphonated. The substance under registration and the analogous share the same functional groups, with the difference that OB 4 -MSA is the dihydroxyisopropylamino derivative, while OB 3a-MSA is the dihydroxyethylamino derivative; the difference has no impact on the biodegradation potential, as well as quantity and chemical identity of the impurities have no influence on the possibility of Read Across for this end point. Both substances are tetrasulphoned sodium salts and both are very soluble in water (1000 g/l Vs 650 g/l, respectively). For further details refer to the Category Justification Report to the section 13 of the dossier.
In the ready biodegradability test, performed according to OECD guideline 301A, a DOC removal of 1.2 % was observed (Ciba-Geigy Ltd., 1992), demonstrating a non-ready biodegradation potential.
Also in the case of the inherent biodegradability the OB 3a-MSA behaviour observed in the two Zahn Wellens tests is similar to that observed in the same test for OB 4 -MSA: in one case a biodegradation of 24 % after 28 days was indicated (Ciba-Geigy Ltd., 1992). This value is obtained at about the fifth day, afterwards the degradation process seems to stop. The slope of the 28 days curve and the second test of inherent biodegradation (Novartis Services AG., 1997) reported suggest that the 24 % of DOC removal recorded in the first test can still be related to a slow adsorption process more than a biological degradation..
In conclusion, the substance can be considered as neither readily nor inherently biodegradable.
[1]Guidance on information requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment, Chapter R.7b: Endpoint specific guidance (Version 1.1, May 2008).
Information on Registered Substances comes from registration dossiers which have been assigned a registration number. The assignment of a registration number does however not guarantee that the information in the dossier is correct or that the dossier is compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (the REACH Regulation). This information has not been reviewed or verified by the Agency or any other authority. The content is subject to change without prior notice.
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