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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Environmental fate & pathways

Hydrolysis

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Administrative data

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference
Endpoint:
hydrolysis
Data waiving:
study scientifically not necessary / other information available
Justification for data waiving:
other:

Description of key information

Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the lithosphere, and is characterized by a complex biogeochemical cycle (Driscoll and Postek 1996; Exley, 2003). Aluminium can participate in hydrolysis reactions, thereby forming a number of monomeric and polymeric Al-hydroxides and this process is highly dependent on pH. Under REACH (ECHA 2008, Chapter R.7B – Endpoint Specific Guidance), the term ‘Hydrolysis’ refers to the “Decomposition or degradation of a chemical by reaction with water”, and this is a function of pH (i. e., abiotic degradation). Aluminium persists in the environment irrespective of whatever chemical species form as a result of hydrolysis, although it may form insoluble aluminium hydroxides that precipitate out of solution. Characterization of aluminium in environmental media is typically based on total aluminium concentrations inclusive of all specific chemical forms or species. Since hydrolysis changes the chemical form but does not decompose aluminium and since characterization of total aluminium considers all chemical forms, the concept of degradation of aluminium by hydrolysis is not relevant in the consideration of its environmental fate.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Additional information

In general, (abiotic) degradation is an irrelevant process for inorganic substances that are assessed on an elemental basis.