Reaction mass of ammonium sulphate and potassium sulfate and sodium sulphate

Endpoint summary

Additional information

The constituents of the reaction mass ammonium sulphate, potassium sulfate and sodium sulphate are inorganic salts and do not hydrolyse, nor is there evidence for photodegradation. In aqueous solution, these substances are completely dissociated into their constituent ions and the sulphate anion (SO₄^2-). Due to the inorganic nature of these substances standard biodegradation testing systems are not applicable. Based on their high water solubility and their ionic nature, these sulphates are not expected to bioaccumulate to a significant extent. Generally nitrate, as well as sodium and potassium are essential elements for living organisms and their intra- and extracellular concentrations are actively regulated.

The vapour pressure of inorganic salts is expected to be negligible and therefore there is no transfer to or via the atmosphere. Based on the physico-chemical properties of these substances, water is expected to be the main target compartment. The ionic nature and high water solubility of the substances indicate a high mobility of the inorganic salts in soils. However, depending on the physico-chemical properties of the soil ion-ion interactions may occur. Particularly ammonium is known to bind to negatively charged soil particles such as clay. Under aerobic conditions ammonium is converted to nitrate by nitrification, a ubiquitous process in water and soils. Nitrate is negatively charged and thus more mobile in soil. Therefore a significant accumulation of ammonium in soil is not expected.