Dimethyl terephthalate

Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

Description of key information

Three reliable (Klimisch 1, guideline- and GLP-compliant) studies address the short-term toxicity of dimethyl terephthalate to unicellular aquatic algae.   
In the first study (Salinas, 2010b) Desmodesmus subspicatus was exposed to DMT dosed from a saturated, filtered aqueous stock solution: 
D. subspicatus 72-h ErC50 (static) >29 mg DMT/L, 72-h NOErC: 29 mg DMT/L.
These endpoints are initial measured values, based on GC analysis.  The DMT concentration remained within 10% of the initial measured value during the 72-h test.  The endpoint of 29 mg/L represents the maximum (limit) DMT concentration achieved under the test conditions.
In the second study (Anonymous, 1993b) Desmodesmus subspicatus (formerly known as Scenedesmus subspicatus) was exposed to DMT dosed from a saturated aquatic stock solution: 
D. subspicatus 72 -h ErC50 (static): >32.3 mg DMT/L, 72 -h ErC10: 20.1 mg DMT/L.
These endpoints are mean measured values, based on non-specific organic carbon analysis.  The endpoint of 32.3 mg/L represents the maximum DMT concentration achieved under the test conditions. 
In the third study (Government of Japan, Ministry of the Environment, 2002d), Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (formerly known as Selenastrum capricornutum) was exposed to high purity DMT, dosed from a stock solution prepared with THF. No toxicity was observed under these test conditions: 
P. subcapitata 72 -h ErC50 (static): >6.50 mg DMT/L, 72 -h NOErC: 6.50 mg DMT/L.  
These endpoints are nominal initial (analytically verified) values and represent the maximum concentration achievable with the dosing regime employed under the test conditions.