Aluminium nitride

Short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates

Type of information:

read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Justification for type of information:

For details and justification of read-across please refer to the read-across report attached to IUCLID section 13.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

ca. 3 900 µg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (initial)

Conc. based on:

element

Basis for effect:

mortality

Details on results:

Acute (48-hr) toxicities of various metal ions (including Al) to Daphnia magna in Lake Superior water were determined. Acute mortality (LC50) was derived as endpoint. The LC50 (48h) was 3.9 mg/L.

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not applicable

Remarks:

non-guideline study, but scientifically solid result published in peer-reviewed article

Conclusions:

Short-term (48 h) lethal effect concentrations (LC50) of aluminium ions on Daphnia magna were determined being 3.90 mg/L in lake water.

Executive summary:

A study was performed to determine the short-term toxicity (LC50) of various metals including aluminium ions towards Daphnia magna. Short-term (48 h) lethal effect concentrations (LC50) of aluminium ions on Daphnia magna were determined being 3.90 mg/L in Lake Superior water.

This information is used in a read-across approach in the assessment of the target substance. For details and justification of read-across please refer to the read-across report attached to IUCLID section 13.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates

Type of information:

read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Justification for type of information:

For details and justification of read-across please refer to the read-across report attached to IUCLID section 13.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

LC100

Effect conc.:

ca. 3.34 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (arithm. mean)

Conc. based on:

other: unionised NH3-N

Basis for effect:

mortality

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

ca. 2.94 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (arithm. mean)

Conc. based on:

other: unionised NH3-N

Basis for effect:

mortality

Remarks on result:

other: 95 % CI = 2.70-3.22

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

LC0

Effect conc.:

ca. 1.16 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (arithm. mean)

Conc. based on:

other: unionised NH3-N

Basis for effect:

mortality

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

LC0

Effect conc.:

ca. 10.4 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (arithm. mean)

Conc. based on:

other: total NH3-N

Basis for effect:

mortality

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

ca. 26.34 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (arithm. mean)

Conc. based on:

other: total NH3-N

Basis for effect:

mortality

Remarks on result:

other: 95 % CI = 24.19-28.85

Details on results:

In the original publication, effect levels are reported as unionised ammonia only, although the analytical measurements (ammonia-selective electrode) were based on total ammonia. Calculations were done based on the temperature- and pH-dependent dissociation percentages (percent unionised ammonia) reported by Thurston et al. (1979). The target parameters in the context of this dossier are effect values based on total ammonia. For back-calculating the reported LC50 of 2.94 mg/L (ionised NH3), the percentage of unionised NH3 at 20 °C and pH 8.5 was used, which is representative for the actual test conditions.
At 20 °C and pH 8.5, 11.16 % of the ammonia is available in unionised form. Accordingly, the LC50 based on total ammonia is calculated to be 26.34 mg/L (total NH3-N).

Validity criteria fulfilled:

yes

Remarks:

Conducted according to ASTM guideline, but OECD 202 validity criteria are fulfilled.

Conclusions:

The 48 h LC50 of ammonia in Daphnia magna was determined to be 2.94 mg unionised NH3-N/L, corresponding to 26.34 mg total NH3/L.

Executive summary:

The 48-hr-acute toxicity of ammonium chloride to Daphnia magna was studied under static conditions. Daphnids were exposed to the control and the test chemical for 48 hours at measured concentrations not reported in detail. Mortality was observed daily. The 48-hour LC₅₀ in terms of total ammonia was 26.34 mg/L.

This study is used for read-across of toxic effects of ammonia to aluminum nitride, a material releasing ammonia due to hydrolysis upon contact with water.

This study is classified as acceptable and satisfies the guideline requirements for an acute toxicity study with freshwater invertebrates.

Results synopsis

Test organism age: Neonates (< 24 h)

Test type: Static

LC₅₀: 26.34 mg /L; 95 % CI = 24.19–28.85 mg/L (total NH3-N)

NOEL: 10.40 mg (total NH3-N)

Endpoint(s) effected: Mortality

Reference 3

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates

Type of information:

read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

disregarded due to major methodological deficiencies

Justification for type of information:

For details and justification of read-across please refer to the read-across report attached to IUCLID section 13.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

other: statistically significant increase of mortality

Effect conc.:

ca. 1 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

element

Remarks:

Al

Basis for effect:

mortality

Remarks on result:

other: at pH 5

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

other: statistically significant increase of mortality

Effect conc.:

ca. 1.02 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

element

Remarks:

Al

Basis for effect:

mortality

Remarks on result:

other: at pH 6.5

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not applicable

Remarks:

Non-guideline study. However, compared to OECD 202 criteria the study is not valid.

Conclusions:

The effect of aluminum on the survival of Daphnia catawba, Holopedium gibberum, Chaoboruspunctipennis, and Chironomus anthrocinus was determined. None of the invertebrates were particularly sensitive to aluminium.

Executive summary:

Experiments were conducted in soft water adjusted to pH 6.5 (original), 5.0, 4.5, 4.0, and 3.5, at three concentrations of aluminium (0.02, 0.32, 1.02 mg/L). Mortality, attributable to aluminium, occurred only at pH 6.5 for D. catawba at the highest aluminium concentration tested (1.02 mg/L).

This information is used in a read-across approach in the assessment of the target substance. For details and justification of read-across please refer to the read-across report attached to IUCLID section 13.

Reference 4

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates

Type of information:

read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Justification for type of information:

For details and justification of read-across please refer to the read-across report attached to IUCLID section 13.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

ca. 4.07 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (arithm. mean)

Conc. based on:

dissolved

Remarks:

un-ionized ammonia (NH3)

Basis for effect:

mobility

Remarks on result:

other: 19.7 °C, pH 8.58-8.11

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

ca. 61.3 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (arithm. mean)

Conc. based on:

dissolved

Remarks:

total ammonia

Basis for effect:

mobility

Remarks on result:

other: 19.7 °C, pH 8.58-8.11

Reported statistics and error estimates:

Median lethal concentration (LC50) values in the acute toxicity tests were determined using the trimmed Spearman-Karber method (Hamilton et al. 1977). When it was necessary to adjust for mortality in the control, Abbott's formula was used (American Public Health Association et al. 1976).

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not applicable

Remarks:

non-guideline study, but scientifically solid result published in peer-reviewed article

Conclusions:

Effects of ammonia on Daphnia magna were studied. The LC50 (48 h) was determined to be 4.07 mg/L for un-ionized ammonia (NH3) and 61.3 mg/L for total ammonia.

Executive summary:

The 48-hr-acute toxicity of ammonium chloride to Daphnia magna was studied under flow-through conditions. Daphnids were exposed to the control and the test chemical for 48 hours at measured concentrations not reported in detail. Mortality was observed daily. The 48-hour LC₅₀in terms of total ammonia was 61.3 mg/L.

This study is used for read-across of toxic effects of ammonia to aluminum nitride, a material releasing ammonia due to hydrolysis upon contact with water.

This study is classified as acceptable and satisfies the guideline requirements for an acute toxicity study with freshwater invertebrates.

Results synopsis

Test organism age: Neonates (< 24 h)

Test type: Flow-through

LC₅₀: 61.3 mg /L (total NH3-N)

Endpoint(s) effected: Mobility

Reference 5

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates

Type of information:

read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Justification for type of information:

For details and justification of read-across please refer to the read-across report attached to IUCLID section 13.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Analytical monitoring:

yes

Vehicle:

no

Test organisms (species):

other aquatic crustacea: Stenocypris major (Ostracoda)

Test type:

static

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

no

Total exposure duration:

96 h

Post exposure observation period:

At the end of day four, the live ostracods were used to determine bioconcentration of the metals in whole body.

Hardness:

15.63 ± 2.74 mg/L (as CaCO3)

Test temperature:

28-30 °C

pH:

6.51 ± 0.01

Dissolved oxygen:

6.25 ± 0.06 mg/L

Details on test conditions:

TEST SYSTEM
- Test vessel: 10 mL glass vials
- Material, size, headspace, fill volume: 8 mL
- Renewal of the solution: every 2 days
- No. of vessels per concentration (replicates): 20

OTHER TEST CONDITIONS
- Photoperiod: 12:12
- Light intensity: 334-376 lux


TEST CONCENTRATIONS
- Range finding study: yes
- Test concentrations: 1000, 5600, 8700, and 18000 µg/L

Reference substance (positive control):

not required

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect conc.:

ca. 3 102 µg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (arithm. mean)

Conc. based on:

element

Basis for effect:

mortality

Remarks on result:

other: 95 % CI= 1281.61–7507.85

Measured Al concentration (μg/L)	LT50(h)	95 % confidence limit
991	303.15	59.21–1552.17
4907	103.22	57.48–185.34
7454	55.66	42.32–73.21
10210	10210	29.86–63.51
16348	9.15	5.90–14.17

Time (h)	LC50(µg/L)	95 % confidence limit
24	12530.33	10197.69–15396.55
48	6980.05	2360.23–20642.53
72	4964.23	3598.66–6848.01
96	3101.96	1281.61–7507.85

Validity criteria fulfilled:

yes

Conclusions:

A study was performed to measure the toxicity of various metals for the freshwater ostracod Stenocypris major (Crustacea, Candonidae). A median lethal concentration (LC50) after 96 h of 3101.96 µg/L was determined.

Executive summary:

Adults of freshwater ostracod Stenocypris major (Crustacea, Candonidae) were exposed over a four-day period under laboratory conditions to a range of various metals including aluminium. Mortality was assessed, and median lethal times (LT50) and concentrations (LC50) were calculated. Comparison of LC50 values for metals for this species with those for other freshwater crustacean reveals that S. major is equally or more sensitive to metals than most other tested crustaceans.

This information is used in a read-across approach in the assessment of the target substance. For details and justification of read-across please refer to the read-across report attached to IUCLID section 13.

Description of key information

The toxicity of aluminium nitride to aquatic invertebrates is determined by the released aluminium ions. The EC50 of 3.9 mg Al/L is forwarded to the hazard assessment as the relevant endpoint.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Fresh water invertebrates

Fresh water invertebrates

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect concentration:

3.9 mg/L

Additional information

Toxicity of aluminium nitride to aquatic invertebrates can be elicited by aluminium ions and/or ammonia (NH₃) released from the material during hydrolysis. Studies investigating the toxicities of the respective degradation products to invertebrates were retrieved from the public domain. The EC₅₀ of aluminium ions in Daphnia magna was determined to be 3.9 mg/L (Biesinger and Christensen, 1972). The EC₅₀ of ammonia in Daphnia magna was determined to be 26.34 mg/L as total NH₃-N (Gersich and Hopkins, 1986). Considering the amounts of degradation products released during hydrolysis (ca. 1 mg Al/L, ca. 2 mg NH₃/L at maximum in a transformation/dissolution test) it is concluded that the effects aluminium nitride to aquatic invertebrates are dominated by the metal ions. Accordingly, the EC₅₀ of 3.9 mg Al/L is forwarded to the hazard assessment as the relevant endpoint.