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Diss Factsheets

Ecotoxicological information

Toxicity to soil macroorganisms except arthropods

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Administrative data

Link to relevant study record(s)

Description of key information

NOEC (28 d and 56 d) ≥ 1000 mg/kg dw for Eisenia fetida (OECD 222)

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Additional information

No experimental data evaluating the toxicity of Fatty acids, C16-18, methyl esters (CAS No. 85586-21-6) to soil macroorganisms are available. Therefore, data from a structurally related category member (methyl palmitate (CAS No. 112-39-0) are used as read-across in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, Annex XI, 1.5. Both substances are fatty acids esterified with methanol, containing fatty acid C-chain ranges of C16 (CAS No. 112-39-0) and C16-18 (CAS No. 85586-21-6) respectively. The log Pow values (> 5) reported for both substances indicate a high adsorption potential to soil particles. Based on the above information, it is justified to use the toxicity data from methyl palmitate as read-across for Fatty acids, C16-C18, methyl esters.

One study evaluating the chronic toxicity of methyl palmitate (CAS No. 112-39-0) to earthworms is available (Winkelmann, 2013). This test was conducted according to OECD 222, under GLP conditions. Eisenia fetida was exposed to the test substance for 56 days at a concentration of 1000 mg/kg dw (limit test). Mortality and growth were evaluated after 28 days whereas reproduction was evaluated after 56 days. After the exposure period, no effects on earthworm’s survival, reproduction or growth were observed, leading to a NOEC 1000 mg/kg dw.

Based on the results obtained for the structurally related category member (in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, Annex XI, 1.5), it can be concluded that Fatty acids, C16-18, methyl esters will not exhibit toxicity to soil macroorganisms.