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Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

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Description of key information

Acutely toxic to aquatic algae.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

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Reaction mass of bis(2-hydroxyethanaminium) sulfite and 2-(methylamino)ethanol - oxosulfane oxide (1:1)is soluble in water and dissociates to 2 -(methylamino)ethanol, (2- hydroxyethyl)ammonium and sulphite ions.

Since no studies on the aquatic toxicity of the substance are available, study reports and published literature about the toxic effects of 2-aminoethanol, 2 -(methylamino)ethanol and substances of the sulphite category have been consulted alternatively.

There are two studies available on the toxicity of 2-aminoethanol (CAS 141-43-5) to aquatic algae (Scenedesmus subspicatus and Selenastrum capricornutum) with EC50 values from 2.8 - 22 mg/L (growth rate) [NITE, 1996; Huels AG, 1997]. Corresponding NOECs were determined to be in the range of 1 to 4 mg/L.

The acute toxicity of 2 -(methylamino)ethanol (CAS 109-83-1) to the green algae Scenedesmus subspicatus was examined in a guideline study according to EU Method C.3 [BASF AG, 1993]. At test termination after 72 hours, a measured EC50 = 28.1 mg/L and a measured NOEC of 3.13 mg/L were determined.

BASF (1989) investigated the effects of sodium metabisulfite (CAS 7681-57-4) on the growth rate of the green algae Scenedesmus subspicatus in a guideline study according to OECD 201. A 96h-study was conducted, and the derived effects levels after a 72h-exposure period were considered for assessment purposes. The EC50 and EC10 values were 43.8 and 33.3 mg test item /L, which corresponds to 36.8 and 28.0 mg SO32-/L, respectively.