Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) sulphone

Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Endpoint:

toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

The study was conducted between 15 July 2016 and 26 August 2016

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 201 (Alga, Growth Inhibition Test)

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

EU Method C.3 (Algal Inhibition test)

GLP compliance:

yes (incl. QA statement)

Specific details on test material used for the study:

Identification: BHES
Physical state/Appearance: White solid block
Batch: 160226
Purity: 99.64%
Expiry Date: 01 March 2017
Storage Conditions: Room temperature in darkness

Analytical monitoring:

yes

Details on sampling:

Range finding test:
A sample of each test concentration was taken for chemical analysis at 0 and 72 hours in order to determine the stability of the test item under test conditions. All samples were stored frozen prior to analysis. Only the concentration to be employed in the definitive test was analyzed.

Definitive test:
Samples were taken from the control and the 100 mg/L test group from the bulk test preparation at 0 hours and from the pooled replicates at 72 hours for quantitative analysis. All samples were stored frozen prior to analysis. Duplicate samples were taken at 0 and 72 hours and stored frozen for further analysis if necessary.

Vehicle:

no

Details on test solutions:

Range-finding test:
A nominal amount of test item (50 mg) was dissolved in culture medium and the volume adjusted to 500 mL to give a 100 mg/L stock solution from which a series of dilutions was made to give further stock solutions of 10, 1.0 and 0.10 mg/L. An aliquot (450 mL) of each of the stock solutions was separately inoculated with algal suspension (3.9 mL) to give the required test concentrations of 0.10, 1.0, 10 and 100 mg/L.
The stock solutions and each of the prepared concentrations were inverted several times to ensure adequate mixing and homogeneity.

Definitive test:
To aid handling, the test item was heated to 80 oC prior to use. A nominal amount of test item (100 mg) was dissolved in culture medium and the volume adjusted to 1 liter to give a 100 mg/L stock solution. The stock solution was inoculated with algal suspension (16 mL) to give the required test concentration of 100 mg/L.
The stock solution and the prepared test concentration was inverted several times to ensure adequate mixing and homogeneity.

Test organisms (species):

Raphidocelis subcapitata (previous names: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Selenastrum capricornutum)

Details on test organisms:

The test was carried out using Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata strain CCAP 278/4. Liquid cultures of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata were obtained from the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), SAMS Research Services Ltd, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Argyll, Scotland. Master cultures were maintained in the laboratory by the periodic replenishment of culture medium. The master cultures were maintained in the laboratory under constant aeration and illumination at 21 ± 2 °C.

Prior to the start of the test sufficient master culture was added to approximately 100 mL volumes of culture media contained in conical flasks to give an initial cell density of approximately 10^3 cells/mL. The flasks were plugged with polyurethane foam stoppers and kept under constant agitation by orbital shaker (100 – 150 rpm) and constant illumination at 24 ± 1 °C until the algal cell density was approximately 10^4 – 10^5 cells/mL.

Test type:

static

Water media type:

freshwater

Limit test:

yes

Total exposure duration:

72 h

Test temperature:

24 ± 1 °C

pH:

7.7 - 8.1

Nominal and measured concentrations:

Analysis of the test preparations at 0 and 72 hours showed measured test concentrations to be near nominal so the results are based on nominal test concentrations only.

Nominal concentrations:
Range finding test: 0.10, 1.0, 10 and 100 mg/L
Definitive test: 100 mg/L

Details on test conditions:

Range finding test:
The test was conducted in 250 mL glass conical flasks each containing 100 mL of test preparation and plugged with polyurethane foam bungs to reduce evaporation. Two replicate flasks were used for each control and test concentration. To aid handling, the test item was heated to 80 oC prior to use. The test item was dissolved directly in culture medium.
The control group was maintained under identical conditions but not exposed to the test item.
At the start of the range-finding test a sample of each test and control culture was removed and the cell density determined using a Coulter® Multisizer Particle Counter. The flasks were then plugged with polyurethane foam bungs and incubated (INFORS Multitron Version 2 incubator) at 24 ± 1 ºC under continuous illumination (intensity approximately 7000 lux) provided by warm white lighting (380 – 730 nm) and constantly shaken at approximately 150 rpm for 72 hours.
After 72 hours the cell density of each flask was determined using a Coulter® Multisizer Particle Counter.

Definitive test:
As in the range-finding test 250 mL glass conical flasks were used. Six flasks each containing 100 mL of test preparation were used for the control and 100 mg/L treatment group.
The control group was maintained under identical conditions but not exposed to the test item.
Pre-culture conditions gave an algal suspension in log phase growth characterized by a cell density of 3.14 x 10^5 cells per mL. Inoculation of 1 liter of test medium with 16 mL of this algal suspension gave an initial nominal cell density of 5 x 10^3 cells per mL and had no significant dilution effect on the final test concentration.
The flasks were plugged with polyurethane foam bungs and incubated (INFORS Multitron Version 2 incubator) at 24 ± 1 °C under continuous illumination (intensity approximately 7000 lux) provided by warm white lighting (380 – 730 nm) and constantly shaken at approximately 150 rpm for 72 hours.

Reference substance (positive control):

yes

Remarks:

potassium dichromate

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

> 100 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

growth rate

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

NOEC

Effect conc.:

100 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

growth rate

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

EC50

Effect conc.:

> 100 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

other: Inhibition of Yield

Duration:

72 h

Dose descriptor:

NOEC

Effect conc.:

100 mg/L

Nominal / measured:

nominal

Conc. based on:

test mat.

Basis for effect:

other: Inhibition of yield

Details on results:

Range-finding Test:
The results showed no effect on growth at all the concentrations tested.
Based on this information a single test concentration of six replicates of 100 mg/L was selected for the definitive test. This experimental design conforms to a "limit test" to confirm that at the maximum test concentration give in the OECD Test Guidelines no effect on growth was observed.

Definitive Test:
Growth Data:
The growth rate (r) and yield (y) of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (CCAP 278/4) were not affected by the presence of the test item at a nominal test concentration of 100 mg/L over the 72-Hour exposure period.
It was considered unnecessary and unrealistic to test at concentrations in excess of 100 mg/L.
Accordingly the following results were determined from the data:

Inhibition of growth rate
ErC10 (0 - 72 h): >100 mg/L
ErC20 (0 - 72 h): >100 mg/L
ErC50 (0 - 72 h): >100 mg/L

where ErCx is the test concentration that reduced growth rate by x%.
Statistical analysis of the growth rate data was carried out for the control and 100 mg/L test group using a Student’s t-test. There were no statistically significant differences (P ≥ 0.05), between the control and 100 mg/L test group and therefore the "No Observed Effect Concentration" (NOEC) based on growth rate was 100 mg/L.

Inhibition of Yield
EyC10 (0 - 72 h): >100 mg/L
EyC20 (0 - 72 h): >100 mg/L
EyC50 (0 - 72 h): >100 mg/L

Where:
EyCx is the test concentration that reduced yield by x%.
There were no statistically significant differences (P ≥ 0.05), between the control and 100 mg/L test group and therefore the "No Observed Effect Concentration" (NOEC) based on yield was 100 mg/L.

Validation Criteria:
The following data show that the cell concentration of the control cultures increased by a factor of 190 after 72 hours. This increase was in line with the OECD Guideline that states the enhancement must be at least by a factor of 16 after 72 hours.
Mean cell density of control at 0 hours: 5.00 x 10^3 cells per mL
Mean cell density of control at 72 hours: 9.50 x 10^5 cells per mL
The mean coefficient of variation for section by section specific growth rate for the control cultures was 10% and hence satisfied the validation criterion given in the OECD Guideline which states the mean must not exceed 35%.
The coefficient of variation for average specific growth rate for the control cultures over the test period (0 – 72 h) was 3% and hence satisfied the validation criterion given in the OECD Guideline which states that this must not exceed 7%.
The method of analysis was validated and proven to be suitable for use

Observations on Cultures:
All test and control cultures were inspected microscopically at 72 hours. There were no abnormalities detected in any of the control or test cultures at 72 hours.

Water Quality Criteria:
Temperature was maintained at 24 ± 1 ºC throughout the test.
The pH value of the control cultures was observed to increase from pH 7.8 at 0 hours to pH 8.1 at 72 hours. The pH deviation in the control cultures was less than 1.5 pH units after 72 hours and therefore was within the limits given in the Test Guidelines.

Observations on Test Item Solubility:
At 0 hours, all control and test cultures were clear colorless solutions, at the end of the test period (72 hours) all control and test cultures were green dispersions due to the growth of algal cells.

Results with reference substance (positive control):

A positive control used potassium dichromate as the reference item at concentrations of 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/L.

Exposure conditions and data evaluation for the positive control were similar to those in the definitive test.

Exposure of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (CCAP 278/4) to the reference item gave the following results:

ErC50 (0 – 72 h): 1.5 mg/L; 95% confidence limits 1.3 – 1.7 mg/L
EyC50 (0 – 72 h): 0.79 mg/L; 95% confidence limits 0.70 – 0.89 mg/L

No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) based on growth rate: 0.50 mg/L
No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) based on yield: 0.50 mg/L
Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC) based on growth rate: 1.0 mg/L
Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC) based on yield: 1.0 mg/L

The results from the positive control with potassium dichromate were within the normal ranges for this reference item.

Inhibition of Growth Rate and Yield in the Definitive Test:

Nominal Concentration (mg/L)		Growth Rate (cells/mL/hour)		Yield (cells/mL)
		0 – 72 h	% Inhibition	0 – 72 h	% Inhibition*
Control	R1	0.073	-	9.58E+05	-
	R2	0.073		9.62E+05
	R3	0.076		1.18E+06
	R4	0.073		9.44E+05
	R5	0.071		8.55E+05
	R6	0.070		7.67E+05
	Mean	0.073		9.45E+05
	SD	0.002		1.40E+05
100	R1	0.080	[10]	1.55E+06
	R2	0.076	[4]	1.17E+06
	R3	0.075	[3]	1.12E+06
	R4	0.074	[1]	1.06E+06
	R5	0.074	[1]	1.04E+06
	R6	0.072	1	9.15E+05
	Mean	0.075	[3]	1.14E+06	[21]
	SD	0.003		2.18E+05

*       In accordance with the OECD test guideline only the mean value for yield for each test concentration is calculated

R₁-R₆= Replicates 1 to 6

SD= Standard Deviation

[Increase in growth as compared to controls]

Validity criteria fulfilled:

yes

Conclusions:

The effect of the test item on the growth of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata has been investigated and gave EC50 values of greater than 100 mg/L. Correspondingly the No Observed Effect Concentration was 100 mg/L.

Executive summary:

Introduction

A study was performed to assess the effect of the test item on the growth of the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. The method followed was designed to be compatible with the OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals (2006) No 201, "Freshwater Alga and Cyanobacteria, Growth Inhibition Test" referenced as Method C.3 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 761/2009.

Methods.

Following a preliminary range-finding test, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was exposed to an aqueous solution of the test item at a concentration of 100 mg/L (six replicate flasks) for 72 hours, under constant illumination and shaking at a temperature of 24 ± 1 °C.

Samples of the algal populations were removed daily and cell concentrations determined for each control and treatment group, using a Coulter^®Multisizer Particle Counter.

Results.

Analysis of the test preparations at 0 and 72 hours showed measured test concentrations to be near nominal and so the results are based on nominal test concentrations only.

Exposure of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata to the test item gave EC₅₀values of greater than 100 mg/L and correspondingly the No Observed Effect Concentration was 100 mg/L.

It was considered unnecessary and unrealistic to test at concentrations in excess of 100 mg/L.

 

Description of key information

Introduction

A study was performed to assess the effect of the test item on the growth of the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. The method followed was designed to be compatible with the OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals (2006) No 201, "Freshwater Alga and Cyanobacteria, Growth Inhibition Test" referenced as Method C.3 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 761/2009.

Methods.

Following a preliminary range-finding test, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was exposed to an aqueous solution of the test item at a concentration of 100 mg/L (six replicate flasks) for 72 hours, under constant illumination and shaking at a temperature of 24 ± 1 °C.

Samples of the algal populations were removed daily and cell concentrations determined for each control and treatment group, using a Coulter^®Multisizer Particle Counter.

Results.

Analysis of the test preparations at 0 and 72 hours showed measured test concentrations to be near nominal and so the results are based on nominal test concentrations only.

Exposure of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata to the test item gave EC₅₀values of greater than 100 mg/L and correspondingly the No Observed Effect Concentration was 100 mg/L.

It was considered unnecessary and unrealistic to test at concentrations in excess of 100 mg/L.

 

Key value for chemical safety assessment

EC50 for freshwater algae:

100 mg/L

EC10 or NOEC for freshwater algae:

100 mg/L