Registration Dossier
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EC number: 231-151-2 | CAS number: 7440-42-8
Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria
Administrative data
Link to relevant study record(s)
Description of key information
Acute levels
Reliable data (EC50) for algal species have been generated for one freshwater and one marine species. The freshwater acute reference value of 52.4 mg B/L represents the effect of boric acid on growth rate of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (former name: Selenastrum capricornutum), and was reported by Hanstveit and Oldersma (2000). The value represents a nominal value, but B-levels were analytically verified. The marine acute reference value was found for the algal species Phaeodactylum tricormutum. The 72h-EC50 on growth rate was 66 mg B/L (Rebstock, 2011).
It should be noted that the values reported here here represent ‘added’ concentration levels and may therefore deviate slightly from values reported elsewhere.
Chronic levels
Reliable data for algal species have been generated for one freshwater and one marine species, using boric acid as test substance. Chronic reference values of 17.5 mg B/L (72h-NOEC) and 35 mg B/L (72h-EC10) was determined for growth rate of the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (former name: Selenastrum capricornutum) using the information that was provided in Hanstveit and Oldersma (2000). The value reperesents a nominal value, but B-levels were analytically verified.
The marine chronic reference value was found for the algal species Phaeodactylum tricormutum. A 72h-NOEC and EC10 of 27.9 mg B/L and 50.7 mg B.L, respectively, was reported by Rebstock (2011) (effect criterion: growth rate).
Key value for chemical safety assessment
- EC50 for freshwater algae:
- 52.4 mg/L
- EC50 for marine water algae:
- 66 mg/L
Additional information
The identified reliable long-term data point for the algal species P.subcapitata was used for the determination of a PNEC for the freshwater environment - using the statistical extrapolation method. All reported effect levels were generated with boric acid as test substance, and test concentrations in the test media were verified.
Additional information on the different long-term studies with algae can be found in the Tables and in the Background Document “Environmental effects assessment of boron”, which is attached in the technical dossier in IUCLID Section 13..
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