Tetrachloroethylene

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

For tetrachloroethylene short-term L(E)C50s from validated sources are reported for fish, invertebrates and algae. For freshwater fish the lowest LC50 from validated data is 5 mg/l (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (Schubat et al., 1982), for invertebrates the lowest EC50 from validated data is 8.5 mg/l (Daphnia magna) (Richter et al., 1983) and for algae the lowest EC50 from validated data is 3.64 mg/l (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) (Brack and Rottler, 1994). For marine fish the lowest LC50 from validated data is 5 mg/l (Limanda limanda) (Pearson and McConnell, 1975).

 

In addition to short-term toxicity data, longer term toxicity data are reported for fish, Daphnia and algae. For fish a 10-day NOEC of 1.99 mg/l and a 28-day NOEC of 2.34 mg/l are reported for the larvae and fry of Jordanella floridae, respectively (Smith et al., 1991). Although these studies did not follow recognised testing protocols for chronic tests as described in the Technical Guidance on testing strategies, they do cover three different stages in the life-cycle of fish, including the early stages. Thus, taken together, the results are considered to give sufficient evidence as to the chronic effects that are observed in fish. For Daphnia a 28-day NOEC based upon reproduction of 0.51 mg/l is reported from validated sources. For freshwater algae a 72-hour EC10 of 1.77 mg/l is reported, and this is taken as a long-term NOEC value (Brack and Rottler, 1994)