m-bis(2,3-epoxypropoxy)benzene

Toxicity to microorganisms

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Endpoint:

activated sludge respiration inhibition testing

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

Experimental start date: 06 November 2017 Experimental completion date: 19 December 2017.

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 209 (Activated Sludge, Respiration Inhibition Test (Carbon and Ammonium Oxidation))

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes (incl. QA statement)

Specific details on test material used for the study:

Identification: m-bis(2,3-epoxypropoxy)benzene
EC Number: 202-987-5
Batch: 53715080
Purity: not supplied
Physical state/Appearance: colorless slightly viscous liquid
Expiry Date: 8 May 2019
Storage Conditions: room temperature in the dark

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

Range finding test
Nominal amounts of test item (5, 50 and 500 mg (500 mg in triplicate)) were each separately dispersed in approximately 200 mL of deionized reverse osmosis water and subjected to ultrasonication for approximately 15 minutes followed by magnetic stirring for 24 hours, at room temperature, in order to maximize the dissolved test item concentration. All test vessels were shielded from the light during mixing. Synthetic sewage (16 mL), activated sewage sludge (250 mL) and water were added to a final volume of 500 mL to give the required concentrations of 10, 100 and 1000 mg/L (3 replicates).
The pH of the test item dispersions was measured after stirring using a Hach HQ40d Flexi handheld meter and adjusted to between pH 7.0 and 8.0 if necessary.

Definitive Test
The test item was dispersed directly in water.
Nominal amounts of test item (50, 90, 160, 280 and 500 mg (3 replicates of each)) were each separately dispersed in approximately 200 mL of deionized reverse osmosis water and subjected to ultrasonication for approximately 15 minutes followed by magnetic stirring for 24 hours, at room temperature, in order to maximize the dissolved test item concentration. All test vessels were shielded from the light during mixing. Synthetic sewage (16 mL), activated sewage sludge (250 mL) and water were added to a final volume of 500 mL to give the required concentrations of 100, 180, 320, 560 and 1000 mg/L (3 replicates of each).
The pH of the test item dispersions were measured after stirring using a Hach HQ40d Flexi handheld meter.
The control group was maintained under identical conditions but not exposed to the test item.

Test organisms (species):

activated sludge of a predominantly domestic sewage

Details on inoculum:

A mixed population of activated sewage sludge micro-organisms was obtained on
6 November 2017 for the range finding test and on 18 December 2017 for the definitive test from the aeration stage of the Severn Trent Water Plc sewage treatment plant at Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK which treats predominantly domestic sewage

Test Water
The test water used for the range finding and definitive tests was deionized reverse osmosis water containing less than 1 mg/L Total Organic Carbon (TOC).

Synthetic Sewage
A synthetic sewage of the following composition, was added to each test vessel to act as a respiratory substrate:
16 g Peptone
11 g Meat extract
3 g Urea
0.7 g NaCl
0.4 g CaCl2.2H2O
0.2 g MgSO4.7H2O
2.8 g K2HPO4
dissolved in a final volume of 1 liter of water with the aid of ultrasonication.
In the range finding test, the pH of the synthetic sewage stock used to feed the activated sewage sludge was pH 7.3 and the pH of the synthetic sewage stock used for the range finding test was pH 7.3. In the definitive test, the pH of the synthetic sewage stock used to feed the activated sewage sludge was pH 7.3 and the pH of the synthetic sewage stock used for the definitive test was pH 7.2. The pH values were measured using a Hach HQ40d Flexi handheld meter.

Test type:

static

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

no

Total exposure duration:

3 h

Test temperature:

The test was conducted under normal laboratory lighting in a temperature controlled room at measured temperatures of approximately 20 °C

pH:

6.7 - 7.9
The pH of test preparations was measured at the test start (i.e. after the addition of activated sludge) and at the end of the 3 Hour incubation period using a Hach HQ40d Flexi handheld meter.

Dissolved oxygen:

The oxygen concentrations in all vessels were measured after 30 minutes contact time.

Nominal and measured concentrations:

Range-Finding Test: nominal test concentrations of 10, 100 and 1000 mg/L
Definitive Test: 100, 180, 320, 560 and 1000 mg/L

Details on test conditions:

Range-Finding Test
Reference Item Preparation
A reference item, 3,5 Dichlorophenol, was included in the range finding test at concentrations of 3.2, 10 and 32 mg/L in order to confirm the suitability of the inoculum. A stock solution of 0.5 g/L was prepared by dissolving the reference item directly in water with the aid of ultrasonication for approximately 15 minutes. The pH of this stock solution was measured to be pH 5.7 and was adjusted to pH 7.0 using 1.0 M NaOH. The pH values were measured using a Hach HQ40d Flexi handheld meter. Aliquots (3.2, 10 and 32 mL) of the stock solution were removed and dispersed with activated sewage sludge (250 mL), synthetic sewage (16 mL) and water to a final volume of 500 mL to give the required concentrations of 3.2, 10 and 32 mg/L. The volumetric flask containing the reference item was inverted several times to ensure homogeneity of the solution.

Definitive Test
Reference Item Preparation
For the purpose of the test a reference item, 3,5 Dichlorophenol was used. A stock solution of 0.5 g/L was prepared by dissolving the reference item directly in water with the aid of ultrasonication for approximately 20 minutes. The pH of this stock solution was measured to be pH 5.3 and adjusted to pH 7.1 using 1.0 M NaOH. The pH values were measured using a Hach HQ40d Flexi handheld meter. Aliquots (3.2, 10 and 32 mL) of the stock solution were removed and dispersed with activated sewage sludge (250 mL), synthetic sewage (16 mL) and water to give the final concentrations of 3.2, 10 and 32 mg/L. The volumetric flask containing the reference item was inverted several times to ensure homogeneity of the solution.
Preparation of Inoculum
The activated sewage sludge sample was maintained on continuous aeration in the laboratory at a temperature of approximately 21 ºC overnight prior to use in the test. On the day of collection the activated sewage sludge (9.5 liters) was fed synthetic sewage (475 mL). The pH of the sample on the day of the test was 7.5 measured using a Hach HQ40d Flexi handheld meter. Determination of the suspended solids level of the activated sewage sludge was carried out by filtering a sample (100 mL) of the activated sewage sludge by suction through a pre-weighed GF/A filter paper* using a Buchner funnel which was then rinsed 3 times with 10 mL of deionized reverse osmosis water and filtration continued for 3 minutes. The filter paper was then dried in an oven at approximately 105 ºC for at least 1-Hour and allowed to cool before weighing. This process was repeated until a constant weight was attained. The suspended solids concentration was equal to 3.0 g/L prior to use.
Preparation of Test System
At time "0" 16 mL of synthetic sewage was diluted to 250 mL with water and 250 mL of inoculum added in a 500 mL conical flask (first control). The mixture was aerated with clean, oil-free compressed air via narrow bore glass tubes at a rate of 0.5 to 1.0 liter per minute. Thereafter, at 15 minute intervals the procedure was repeated for the second control followed by the reference item vessels with appropriate amounts of the reference item being added. Two additional control vessels were then prepared prior to the test item vessels as described above. Finally, two further control vessels were prepared.
The test was conducted under normal laboratory lighting in a temperature controlled room at measured temperatures of approximately 20 °C.

Reference substance (positive control):

yes

Remarks:

3,5 Dichlorophenol

Key result

Duration:

3 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

640 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

inhibition of total respiration

Details on results:

Range-Finding Test
The dissolved oxygen concentrations after 30 minutes contact time in all vessels were above 60% of the dissolved oxygen saturation level of 8.9 mg O2/L.
No statistically significant toxic effects were shown at the test concentrations of 10 and 100 mg/L, however statistically significant toxic effects were shown at the test concentration of 1000 mg/L.
Based on these results and after discussion with the Sponsor, it was considered necessary to perform a definitive test in order to obtain an EC50 value for the test item. Based on this information test concentrations of 100, 180, 320, 560 and 1000 mg/L were selected for the definitive test.

Validation Criteria
The coefficient of variation of oxygen uptake in the control vessels was 1.7% and the specific respiration rate of the controls was 29.39 mg oxygen per gram dry weight of sludge per hour. The validation criteria have therefore been satisfied.
The EC50 value was 7.9 mg/L which also satisfied validation criterion for the reference item.

Inhibition of Respiration Rate
In some instances, the initial and final dissolved oxygen concentrations were outside those recommended in the test guidelines (7 mg O2/L and 2 mg O2/L respectively). This was considered to have had no adverse effect on the results of the study given that in all cases the oxygen consumption rate was determined over the linear portion of the oxygen consumption trace

Results with reference substance (positive control):

The reference item gave a 3-Hour EC50 value of 7.9 mg/L, 95% confidence limits 6.1 to 10 mg/L.

Inhibition of Respiration Rate

	m-bis(2,3-epoxypropoxy)benzene		3,5-Dichlorophenol
	ECx(3 Hours) (mg/L)	95% Confidence Limits (mg/L)	ECx(3 Hours) (mg/L)	95% Confidence Limits (mg/L)
EC10	120	-	1.8	-
EC20	210	-	2.6	-
EC50	640	550 – 740^**	7.9	6.1 - 10
EC80	1300*	-	25	-

*Calculated from extrapolation of the concentration response curve as no concentration employed resulted in greater than 80% inhibition

**Calculated from extrapolation of the concentration response curve as no concentration employed resulted in greater than 84% inhibition

Oxygen Consumption Rates and Percentage Inhibition Values after 3 Hours Contact Time in the Definitive Test

Nominal Concentration (mg/L)		Initial O2 Reading (mg O2/L)	Measurement Period (minutes)	Final O2Reading (mg O2/L)	O2Consumption Rates (mg O2/L/hour)	% Inhibition
Control	R1	4.2	3	2.0	44.00	-
	R2	5.2	4	2.3	43.50	-
	R3	5.0	4	2.0	45.00	-
	R4	5.1	4	2.2	43.50	-
	R5	5.0	4	2.0	45.00	-
	R6	4.8	4	1.9	43.50	-
Test Item	100R1	5.4	5	1.9	42.00	5
	100R2	4.7	5	1.9	42.00	5
	100R3	4.9	4	2.2	40.50	8
	180R1	4.9	5	1.9	36.00	18
	180R2	5.0	5	2.0	36.00	18
	180R3	4.5	5	1.6	34.80	21
	320R1	5.0	5	2.3	32.40	26
	320R2	7.2	7	5.7	12.86	71*
	320R3	5.4	6	2.2	32.00	27

Nominal Concentration (mg/L)		Initial O2 Reading (mg O2/L	Measurement Period (minutes)	Final O2Reading (mg O2/L)	O2Consumption Rates (mg O2/L/hour)	% Inhibition
Test Item	560R1	7.3	10	5.6	10.20	77*
	560R2	5.7	9	2.1	24.00	46
	560R3	5.8	9	2.2	24.00	46
	1000R1	6.6	10	4.3	13.80	69
	1000R2	6.4	10	4.0	14.40	67
	1000R3	6.2	10	3.7	15.00	66
3,5-Dichlorophenol	3.2	6.4	8	2.1	32.25	27
	10	7.0	10	3.6	20.40	54
	32	8.1	10	7.2	5.40	88

  R= Replicate

*Value considered to be anomalous compared to other replicate vessels for this concentration, therefore omitted from the calculation of the EC_xvalues

pH Values of the Test Preparations at the Start and End of the Exposure Period in the Definitive Test

Nominal Concentration (mg/L)		pH
		0 Hours	3 Hours
Control	R1	7.7	7.3
	R2	7.6	7.3
	R3	7.5	7.3
	R4	7.4	7.3
	R5	7.5	7.4
	R6	7.4	7.3
Test Item	100R1	7.5	7.3
	100R2	7.7	7.3
	100R3	7.4	7.3
	180R1	7.4	7.4
	180R2	7.5	7.4
	180R3	7.3	7.3
	320R1	7.3	7.4
	320R2	7.5	6.7
	320R3	7.3	7.5

Nominal Concentration (mg/L)		pH
		0 Hours	3 Hours
Test Item	560R1	7.7	7.2
	560R2	7.5	7.7
	560R3	7.6	7.8
	1000R1	7.6	7.9
	1000R2	7.5	7.8
	1000R3	7.5	7.9
3,5-Dichlorophenol	3.2	7.5	7.7
	10	7.5	7.8
	32	7.5	7.7

R=   Replicate

Validity criteria fulfilled:

yes

Conclusions:

The effect of the test item on the respiration of activated sewage sludge gave a 3 Hour EC50 value of 640 mg/L, 95% confidence limits 550 to 740 mg/L.

Executive summary:

Introduction

A study was performed to assess the effect of the test item on the respiration of activated sewage sludge. The method followed was designed to be compatible with the OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals (2010) No. 209 "Activated Sludge, Respiration Inhibition Test (Carbon and Ammonium Oxidation)".

Methods

Following a preliminary range‑finding test, activated sewage sludge was exposed to an aqueous dispersion of the test item at concentrations of 100, 180, 320, 560 and 1000 mg/L (3 replicates) for a period of 3 hours at a measured temperature of approximately 20 °C with the addition of a synthetic sewage as a respiratory substrate.

The rate of respiration was determined after 3 hours contact time and compared to data for the control and a reference item, 3,5‑Dichlorophenol.

Results

The effect of the test item on the respiration of activated sewage sludge gave a 3‑Hour EC₅₀value of 640 mg/L, 95% confidence limits 550 to 740 mg/L*.

The reference item gave a 3‑Hour EC₅₀value of 7.9 mg/L, 95% confidence limits 6.1 to 10 mg/L.

*Calculated from extrapolation of the concentration response curve as no concentration employed resulted in greater than 84% inhibition

Description of key information

Introduction

A study was performed to assess the effect of the test item on the respiration of activated sewage sludge. The method followed was designed to be compatible with the OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals (2010) No. 209 "Activated Sludge, Respiration Inhibition Test (Carbon and Ammonium Oxidation)".

Methods

Following a preliminary range‑finding test, activated sewage sludge was exposed to an aqueous dispersion of the test item at concentrations of 100, 180, 320, 560 and 1000 mg/L (3 replicates) for a period of 3 hours at a measured temperature of approximately 20 °C with the addition of a synthetic sewage as a respiratory substrate.

The rate of respiration was determined after 3 hours contact time and compared to data for the control and a reference item, 3,5‑Dichlorophenol.

Results

The effect of the test item on the respiration of activated sewage sludge gave a 3‑Hour EC₅₀value of 640 mg/L, 95% confidence limits 550 to 740 mg/L*.

The reference item gave a 3‑Hour EC₅₀value of 7.9 mg/L, 95% confidence limits 6.1 to 10 mg/L.

*Calculated from extrapolation of the concentration response curve as no concentration employed resulted in greater than 84% inhibition

Key value for chemical safety assessment

EC50 for microorganisms:

640 mg/L