Triethyl phosphate

Short-term toxicity to fish

Description of key information

A number of published and proprietary studies are available.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Fresh water fish

Fresh water fish

Effect concentration:

2 100 mg/L

Additional information

Ewell et al (1986) describe the development of a test system designed to simultaneously assess the aquatic toxicity of chemicals to seven species, including six invertebrate species. Under the conditions of this study, the 96 -hour LC50 of triethyl phosphate in the invertebrate species tested [Asellus intermedius (pillbug), Daphnia magna (water flea), Dugesia tigrina (flatworm), Gammarus fasciatus (sideswimmer), Helisoma trivolvis (snail) and Lumbriculus variegatus (segmented worm)] and in the fathead minnow were all reported to be >100 mg/L.

The acute toxicity of triethylphosphate was investigated in the bleak (Alburnus alburnus). The 96 -hour LC50 value of the substance was calculated to be 2100 -2400 mg/L (Linden et al, 1978).

The acute aquatic toxicity was investigated in Oryzias latipes. The 48 -hour LC50 of the substance is reported to be >500 mg/L (CITI, 1992).

The acute toxicity of triethyl phosphate was investiagted in Leuciscus idus. The 48 -hour LC0, LC50 and LC100 values were found to be 1926 mg/L, 2140 mg/L and 2500 mg/L under the conditions of this study (Knie et al, 1983).

The acute toxicity of triethylphosphate was investigated in Danio rerio. No deaths occurred at concentrations of up to and including the highest tested concentration of 100 mg/L. The 96 -hour LC50 of triethylphosphate in Danio rerio is therefore >100 mg/L (Bayer, 1985a). The acute toxicity of triethylphosphate was also investigated in Leuciscus idus. 50% mortality was seen in an initial study performed at 100 mg/L, however no effects were seen in subsequent experiments at 133 or 100 mg/L. The LC50 is therefore considered to be >= 100 mg/L (Bayer, 1985b).