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The target substance hexadecyl palmitate (CAS 540-10-3) is a long-chain aliphatic ester with a high estimated log Kow (> 10.0, QSAR, Vega version 1.1.3 - three models: Meylan/Kowwin version 1.1.4, MLogP version 1.0.0, ALogP version 1.0.0), which suggests a high potential for bioaccumulation.

However, since the substance has low water solubility (< 0.846 µg/L, at 20 °C, OECD 105) and is readily biodegradable, no chronic exposure, relevant uptake or bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms is expected. In the case of uptake by fish, the substance is expected to be rapidly metabolized via enzymatic hydrolysis into fatty acids and fatty alcohols, which are also expected to metabolize satisfactorily in aquatic organisms. From literature it is well known that these hydrolysis products will be effectively metabolized and excreted in fish (Heymann, 1980; Lech & Bend, 1980; Lech & Melancon, 1980; Murphy & Lutenske, 1990; Sand et al., 1973).

Therefore, in accordance with Annex XIII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 it is concluded that the substance has no potential for bioaccumulation.