Quaternary ammonium compounds, C12-14-alkylethyldimethyl, Et sulfates

Long-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates

Description of key information

In a reliable guideline study in freshwater invertebrates (Daphnia magna), the 21 day NOEC was 6.8 and 99.1 μg a.i./L (i.e., 0.0068 and 0.0991 mg a.i./L) in Southwest well and river water, respectively for the read-across substance C16-18 and C18 unsatd. TMAC.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Fresh water invertebrates

Fresh water invertebrates

Effect concentration:

0.007 mg/L

Additional information

In an OECD 211 guideline study, the effect of the structurally similar C16-18 and C18 unsatd. TMAC on the short term (21-day) toxicity and reproduction of Daphnia magna was evaluated. Daphnia magna were exposed to six concentrations of the test substance in a 21-day static-daily renewal test in three different water types (i.e., laboratory blended water, Southwest well water and river water). Analytical determination of the test substance was performed. Measured concentrations (μg/L; values represent the geometric mean of the 0- and 24-hour concentration analyses) were: Southwest well water: 1.6, 3.1, 6.8, 14.6, 30.6 and 60.8 μg a.i./L, River water: 35.7, 53.4, 68.3, 99.1, 122.3 and 309.3 μg a.i./L. The test in blended water was discontinued after 14 days due to inadequate reproduction by control organisms. Mortality was monitored daily and the number of young produced in each beaker was recorded. Test substance concentrations were verified by analysis and represent the geometric mean of the 0 and 24 hour concentration. Under the test conditions, the 21 day NOEC of the test substance was found to be 6.8 and 99.1 μg/L (i.e., equivalent to 0.0068 and 0.099 mg a.i./L) in Southwest well and river water, respectively. The number of days until the first reproduction was similar across all groups within the Southwest well water group and river water group (i.e., 11 days and 8 - 9 days, respectively) (Valentine and Bishop, 1992).