Hydrogen fluoride

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:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

4 days

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study with acceptable restrictions

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

other: US Environmental Protection Agency, 440/5-86-001; Method for Acute Toxicity Tests with Fish, Macroinvertebrates and Amphibians.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

No further information

GLP compliance:

no

Specific details on test material used for the study:

Sodium fluoride is water soluble and will rapidly dissociate under the aqueous conditions of the test to form sodium and fluoride ions. The toxicity of sodium fluoride is essentially due to fluoride ions and therefore is appropriate for read-across to HF.

Analytical monitoring:

yes

Details on sampling:

No details on sampling given.

Vehicle:

no

Test organisms (species):

other: trichoptera aquatic larvae

Details on test organisms:

Trichoptera aquatic larvae were collected from fluoride unpolluted areas of Spanish rivers: Chimarra marginata Linnaeus, Hydropsyche lobata MacLachlan and Hydropsyche bulbifera MacLachlan from Rio Aulencia (Madrid), Hydropsyche exocellata Dufour from Rio Jarama (Madrid) and Hydropsyche pellucidula Curtis from Rio Duraton (Segovia).

Test type:

static

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

no

Total exposure duration:

96 h

Post exposure observation period:

No post exposure observation period.

Hardness:

12-19 mg CaCO3/L

Nominal and measured concentrations:

Measured

Details on test conditions:

Laboratory bioassays were performed in a glass aquaria each containing 10 L of dechlorinated tap water. Necessary water oxygenation and turbulence were produced by an air pump per aquarium. Chamber environmental temperature and natural photoperiod were utilised. Test fluroide solutions were made from sodium fluoride.

Reference substance (positive control):

not specified

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

26 - 48 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (not specified)

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride

Details on results:

Benthic larvae were very sensitive to the concentration of fluoride ion with EC50 values ranging from 26 to 48 mg/L (actual concentration).

Results with reference substance (positive control):

Not applicable.

Reported statistics and error estimates:

No reported statistics or estimations.

Benthic larvae were found to be sensitive to the concentration of fluoride ion with EC50 values ranging from 26 to 48 mg/L (actual concentration). These organisms appear more sensitive than D. magna according to the EU RAR for hydrogen fluoride; however this may be a reflection of the fact that the study was performed with soft water.

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not applicable

Conclusions:

Benthic larvae were very sensitive to the concentration of fluoride ion with EC50 values ranging from 26 to 48 mg/L (actual concentration).

Executive summary:

Benthic larvae (Chimarra marginata, Hydropsyche lobata, Hydropsyche bulbifera, Hydropsyche exocellata and Hydropsyche pellucidula) collected in Spanish rivers were found to be sensitive to the concentration of fluoride ion with EC50 values ranging from 26 to 48 mg/L (actual concentration). These organisms appear more sensitive than D. magna according to the EU RAR for hydrogen fluoride; however this may be a reflection of the fact that the study was performed with soft water.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates

Type of information:

other: review

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Study period:

2 to 5 days

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

data from handbook or collection of data

Remarks:

Review of available data. Methodologcial data for individual studies are incomplete, however the studies have been assessed as part of the EU RAR and are therefore considered to be suitably reliable.

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The studies are mainly non-guideline

GLP compliance:

not specified

Specific details on test material used for the study:

Not applicable

Analytical monitoring:

not specified

Details on sampling:

No details of sampling given in review.

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

No details of test solutions given in review.

Test organisms (species):

other: Benthic trichoptera larvae, Daphnia magna, Daphnia sp., Mysidopsis bahia, Perna perna

Details on test organisms:

No further details given in review.

Test type:

static

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

no

Post exposure observation period:

No post exposure observation period.

Hardness:

Values ranged between 173-250 mg CaCO3/L.

Test temperature:

Not stated.

pH:

Not stated

Dissolved oxygen:

Not stated

Salinity:

Not stated

Nominal and measured concentrations:

Nominal.

Details on test conditions:

The duration of the test ranged from 24-48 h.

Reference substance (positive control):

not specified

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

26 - 48 mg/L

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: benthic trichoptera larvae

Remarks:

(Camargo and Tarazona, 1990)

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

97 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Daphnia magna

Remarks:

(Janssen et al., 1989)

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

153 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

other: fluuoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Daphnia magna

Remarks:

(LeBlanc, 1984)

Duration:

24 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

352 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Daphnia magna

Remarks:

(Kühn et al., 1988)

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

270 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Daphnia sp.

Remarks:

(Bringman and Kühn, 1959)

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

10.5 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Mysidopsis bahia (marine)

Remarks:

(LeBlanc, 1984)

Duration:

120 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

>= 20 - <= 39 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

estimated

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Perna perna (marine)

Remarks:

(Hemens and Warwick, 1972)

Details on results:

The EC50 values for daphnids range from 97 to 352 mg/L and are based on nominal concentrations.

Results with reference substance (positive control):

Not applicable

Reported statistics and error estimates:

None reported

The reported EC50 values for daphnids range from 97-352 mg/L and are based on nominal concentrations. Water hardness in these studies ranged from 173 to 250 mg CaCO3/L. The EU RAR for hydrogen fluoride notes the existence of additional EC50 values in the range 109 to 340 mg F-/L, cited in the RIVM Integrated Criteria Document Fluoride (Sloof et al, 1988).

EC50 values of 10.5 -39 mg/L are reported for marine invertebrates.

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not specified

Conclusions:

The EC50 values for daphnids exposed to sodium fluoride range from 97 to 352 mg F-/L.

Executive summary:

The EU RAR reviews and summairses the available data on short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates. Reported EC50 values for Daphnia sp. range from 97-352 mg/L and are based on nominal concentrations.

Reference 3

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates

Type of information:

other: review

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Study period:

Not reported

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

data from handbook or collection of data

Remarks:

The ICD reviews and summarises relevant information on the aquatic toxiicty of fluorides

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The results of a number of largely non-standard studies are summarised

GLP compliance:

not specified

Analytical monitoring:

not specified

Vehicle:

no

Test organisms (species):

other: various

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

>= 109 - 340 mg/L

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Freshwater

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

>= 30 - 500 mg/L

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Marine

The ICD reports EC50 values of 109 -340 mg F-/L for freshwater invertebrates and values of 30 -500 mg F-/L for marine invertebrates.

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not specified

Conclusions:

The ICD reports short-term endpoints of 109 to 340 mg F-/L and 30 to 500 mg F-/L for fresh-water and marine invertebrates, respectively.

Executive summary:

The ICD summarises the available data on the short-term toxicity of sodium fluoride to aquatic invertebrates and reports EC50 values of 109 -340 mg/L. EC50 values of 30 -500 mg/L are reported for marine invertebrates.

Reference 4

Endpoint:

short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates

Type of information:

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

Adequacy of study:

key study

Justification for type of information:

It is considered appropriate to address the short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates data requirement for hydrogen fluoride (HF) by read-across to available data on sodium fluoride (NaF).

In water, HF (as hydrofluoric acid when in water) dissociates rapidly to form hydrogen (H+) and fluoride (F−) ions, whereas NaF (the highly soluble sodium salt of fluoride) will be fully hydrated in water as separate sodium (Na+) and F- ions. Both HF and NaF (as well as other fluorides) will therefore dissociate rapidly to form F- ions in the aquatic environment, with any effects observed being directly attributable to the F- ion. The Na+ ion is naturally occurring and regulated by organisms (i.e. by homeostatic mechanisms) and consequently is not considered to have an impact on the read-across of ecotoxicological data. On this basis, the profile of HF is comparable to that of NaF with respect to the environment.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

26 - 48 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

meas. (not specified)

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride

Details on results:

Benthic larvae were very sensitive to the concentration of fluoride ion with EC50 values ranging from 26 to 48 mg/L (actual concentration).

Results with reference substance (positive control):

Not applicable.

Reported statistics and error estimates:

No reported statistics or estimations.

Benthic larvae were found to be sensitive to the concentration of fluoride ion with EC50 values ranging from 26 to 48 mg/L (actual concentration). These organisms appear more sensitive than D. magna according to the EU RAR for hydrogen fluoride; however this may be a reflection of the fact that the study was performed with soft water.

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not applicable

Conclusions:

Benthic larvae were very sensitive to the concentration of fluoride ion with EC50 values ranging from 26 to 48 mg/L (actual concentration).

Executive summary:

It is considered appropriate to address the short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates data requirement for hydrogen fluoride (HF) by read-across to available data on sodium fluoride (NaF). In water, HF (as hydrofluoric acid when in water) dissociates rapidly to form hydrogen (H⁺) and fluoride (F⁻) ions, whereas NaF (the highly soluble sodium salt of fluoride) will be fully hydrated in water as separate sodium (Na⁺) and F^- ions. Both HF and NaF (as well as other fluorides) will therefore dissociate rapidly to form F^- ions in the aquatic environment, with any effects observed being directly attributable to the F^- ion. The Na⁺ ion is naturally occurring and regulated by organisms (i.e. by homeostatic mechanisms) and consequently is not considered to have an impact on the read-across of ecotoxicological data. On this basis, the profile of HF is comparable to that of NaF with respect to the environment.

Benthic larvae (Chimarra marginata, Hydropsyche lobata, Hydropsyche bulbifera, Hydropsyche exocellata and Hydropsyche pellucidula) collected in Spanish rivers were found to be sensitive to the concentration of fluoride ion with EC50 values ranging from 26 to 48 mg/L (actual concentration). These organisms appear more sensitive than D. magna according to the EU RAR for hydrogen fluoride; however this may be a reflection of the fact that the study was performed with soft water.

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:

It is considered appropriate to address the short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates data requirement for hydrogen fluoride (HF) by read-across to available data on sodium fluoride (NaF).

In water, HF (as hydrofluoric acid when in water) dissociates rapidly to form hydrogen (H+) and fluoride (F−) ions, whereas NaF (the highly soluble sodium salt of fluoride) will be fully hydrated in water as separate sodium (Na+) and F- ions. Both HF and NaF (as well as other fluorides) will therefore dissociate rapidly to form F- ions in the aquatic environment, with any effects observed being directly attributable to the F- ion. The Na+ ion is naturally occurring and regulated by organisms (i.e. by homeostatic mechanisms) and consequently is not considered to have an impact on the read-across of ecotoxicological data. On this basis, the profile of HF is comparable to that of NaF with respect to the environment.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

26 - 48 mg/L

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: benthic trichoptera larvae

Remarks:

(Camargo and Tarazona, 1990)

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

97 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Daphnia magna

Remarks:

(Janssen et al., 1989)

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

153 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

other: fluuoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Daphnia magna

Remarks:

(LeBlanc, 1984)

Duration:

24 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

352 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Daphnia magna

Remarks:

(Kühn et al., 1988)

Duration:

48 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

270 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Daphnia sp.

Remarks:

(Bringman and Kühn, 1959)

Duration:

96 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

10.5 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Mysidopsis bahia (marine)

Remarks:

(LeBlanc, 1984)

Duration:

120 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

>= 20 - <= 39 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

estimated

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Perna perna (marine)

Remarks:

(Hemens and Warwick, 1972)

Details on results:

The EC50 values for daphnids range from 97 to 352 mg/L and are based on nominal concentrations.

Results with reference substance (positive control):

Not applicable

Reported statistics and error estimates:

None reported

The reported EC50 values for daphnids range from 97-352 mg/L and are based on nominal concentrations. Water hardness in these studies ranged from 173 to 250 mg CaCO3/L. The EU RAR for hydrogen fluoride notes the existence of additional EC50 values in the range 109 to 340 mg F-/L, cited in the RIVM Integrated Criteria Document Fluoride (Sloof et al, 1988).

EC50 values of 10.5 -39 mg/L are reported for marine invertebrates.

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not specified

Conclusions:

The EC50 values for daphnids exposed to sodium fluoride range from 97 to 352 mg F-/L.

Executive summary:

It is considered appropriate to address the short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates data requirement for hydrogen fluoride (HF) by read-across to available data on sodium fluoride (NaF). In water, HF (as hydrofluoric acid when in water) dissociates rapidly to form hydrogen (H⁺) and fluoride (F⁻) ions, whereas NaF (the highly soluble sodium salt of fluoride) will be fully hydrated in water as separate sodium (Na⁺) and F^- ions. Both HF and NaF (as well as other fluorides) will therefore dissociate rapidly to form F^- ions in the aquatic environment, with any effects observed being directly attributable to the F^- ion. The Na⁺ ion is naturally occurring and regulated by organisms (i.e. by homeostatic mechanisms) and consequently is not considered to have an impact on the read-across of ecotoxicological data. On this basis, the profile of HF is comparable to that of NaF with respect to the environment.

The EU RAR reviews and summairses the available data on short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates. Reported EC50 values for Daphnia sp. range from 97-352 mg/L and are based on nominal concentrations.

Reference 6

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:

It is considered appropriate to address the short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates data requirement for hydrogen fluoride (HF) by read-across to available data on sodium fluoride (NaF).

In water, HF (as hydrofluoric acid when in water) dissociates rapidly to form hydrogen (H+) and fluoride (F−) ions, whereas NaF (the highly soluble sodium salt of fluoride) will be fully hydrated in water as separate sodium (Na+) and F- ions. Both HF and NaF (as well as other fluorides) will therefore dissociate rapidly to form F- ions in the aquatic environment, with any effects observed being directly attributable to the F- ion. The Na+ ion is naturally occurring and regulated by organisms (i.e. by homeostatic mechanisms) and consequently is not considered to have an impact on the read-across of ecotoxicological data. On this basis, the profile of HF is comparable to that of NaF with respect to the environment.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

>= 109 - 340 mg/L

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Freshwater

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

>= 30 - 500 mg/L

Conc. based on:

other: fluoride ion (F-)

Remarks on result:

other: Marine

The ICD reports EC50 values of 109 -340 mg F-/L for freshwater invertebrates and values of 30 -500 mg F-/L for marine invertebrates.

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not specified

Conclusions:

The ICD reports short-term endpoints of 109 to 340 mg F-/L and 30 to 500 mg F-/L for fresh-water and marine invertebrates, respectively.

Executive summary:

It is considered appropriate to address the short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates data requirement for hydrogen fluoride (HF) by read-across to available data on sodium fluoride (NaF). In water, HF (as hydrofluoric acid when in water) dissociates rapidly to form hydrogen (H⁺) and fluoride (F⁻) ions, whereas NaF (the highly soluble sodium salt of fluoride) will be fully hydrated in water as separate sodium (Na⁺) and F^- ions. Both HF and NaF (as well as other fluorides) will therefore dissociate rapidly to form F^- ions in the aquatic environment, with any effects observed being directly attributable to the F^- ion. The Na⁺ ion is naturally occurring and regulated by organisms (i.e. by homeostatic mechanisms) and consequently is not considered to have an impact on the read-across of ecotoxicological data. On this basis, the profile of HF is comparable to that of NaF with respect to the environment.

The ICD summarises the available data on the short-term toxicity of sodium fluoride to aquatic invertebrates and reports EC50 values of 109 -340 mg/L. EC50 values of 30 -500 mg/L are reported for marine invertebrates.

Description of key information

A number of non-guideline studies performed with sodium fluoride are available.  EC50 values for marine invertebrates range from 10.5-39 mg/L.  EC50 values for daphnids range from 97-352 mg/L; benthic insect larvae were found to be more sensitive, with EC50 values of 26-48 mg/L (test with soft water).

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Fresh water invertebrates

Fresh water invertebrates

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect concentration:

26 mg/L

Marine water invertebrates

Marine water invertebrates

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect concentration:

10.5 mg/L

Additional information

Camargo & Tarazona (1990) report that benthic larvae are sensitive to the concentration of fluoride, with EC50 values ranging from 26 -48 mg/L (actual concentration); however the study was performed in soft water. The EU RAR reviews and summarises the available data on short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates. The reported EC50 values for Daphnia sp. range from 97-352 mg/L and are based on nominal concentrations; EC50 values of 10.5 -39 mg/L are reported for marine invertebrates. The ICD summarises the available data on the short-term toxicity of sodium fluoride to aquatic invertebrates and reports EC50 values of 109 -340 mg/L; EC50 values of 30 -500 mg/L are reported for marine invertebrates.