Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether

Endpoint summary

Additional information

BIODEGRADATION IN WATER: SCREENING TESTS

 

The primary and inherent biodegradability were determined in the Zahn-Wellens-Test / EMPA Test with a non adapted activated sludge for the test item Diethylenglykoldimethylether over a period up to 36 days. The study was conducted from 2010-03-08 to 2010-05-19 with the definitive exposure phase oft the main test from 2010-04-13 to 2010-05-19 according to OECD 302 B at Dr.U.Noack-Laboratorien.

For the determination of the primary biodegradation the test item was tested at a concentration of 600 µg/L in duplicates. The primary biodegradation was determined by SPME GC/MS analysis of the test item. For the determination of the inherent biodegradation the test item was tested at a concentration of 95 mg/Lin duplicates, corresponding to a DOC of 51.3mg C/L in the test vessel. The inherent biodegradation of the test item was followed by determination of DOC. The ratio of eliminated DOC, corrected for the control at each time interval to the initial DOC value is expressed as the percentage biodegradation at each sampling date.

 

In order to check the activity of the test system diethylene glycole in a concentration of 120 mg/L was used as functional control. After 14 days a degradation rate of 100 % was reached.

 

The physico-chemical elimination (volatilisation) of the test item was monitored in separate sterile controls. At the test item concentration of 95 mg/L a sterile control without inoculum and poisoned with HgCl₂was used. For determination of the primary biodegradation sterile controls (with inoculum and poisoned with HgCl₂) with a test item concentration of 300 µg/L and 600 µg/L were tested. No physico-chemical elimination (volatilistion) occurred in the sterile controls until test end.

 

The primary degradation started after an adaptation phase of 16 days. The biodegradation was fast and on day 23 the pass level of 70 % was reached. After 28 days the primary degradation came to 95 %.

 

The inherent degradation started after a long lasting adaption phase of 21 days. The biodegradation was fast and the biodegradation reached the 70 % pass level after 29 days. After 36 days a biodegradation of 99 % was reached.

 

 

 

The test item is classified as primary biodegradable after 23 days
and inherent biodegradable after 29 days.

 

 

 

Table 1:         Primary and Inherent Biodegradability of the Test Item Diethylenglykoldimethylether in Comparison to the Functional Control and the Sterile Control

 

Inherent Biodegradation / Elimination [%]
Day	7	14	21	28	36
test item 95 mg/L	0	3	4	67	99
functional control 120 mg/L	97	100	100	95	95
Sterile control* 95 mg/Ltest item	0	0	0	0	0
Primary Biodegradation / Elimination [%]
Test item 600 µg/L	9	0^1)	60	95	–
Sterile control* 600 µg/L test item	4	0^1)	0	2	–
Sterile control* 300 µg/L test item	0	0^1)	0	7	–

 

 

BIODEGRADATION IN WATER: SIMULATION TESTS

Diglyme is not readily but inherently biodegradable after 29 days. It is not expected that the DT50 of Diglyme in an OECD 309 would indicate a rapid biodegradation in surface water e.g. < 40 d. Due to the fact that Diglyme is classified H360 strict risk reduction measures have to be applied which means that release to the environmental compartments have to be minimized. Based on these facts the simulation tests according 309 is not warranted.

 

BIODEGRADATION IN SEDIMENT: SIMULATION TESTS

Diglyme is not readily but inherently biodegradable after 29 days. It is not expected that the DT50 of Diglyme in an OECD 308 would indicate a rapid biodegradation in surface water e.g. < 120 d. Due to the fact that Diglyme is classified H360 strict risk reduction measures have to be applied which means that release to the environmental compartments have to be minimized. Furthermore the Koc is calculated to be < 3  L/kg. Based on these facts the simulation tests according 308 is not warranted.

 

BIODEGRADATION IN SOIL

The US EPA property estimation program KOCWIN V2.00 calculates for the Koc of Diglyme 1.933 L/kg (Molecular Connectivity Index) or 2.846 L/kg (based on Log Kow of -0.36). Due to the low estimated Koc of Diglyme a transfer to agricultural soil via sewage sludge can be neglected. Indirect exposure via deposition from air is unlikely as Diglyme is readily photodegraded in air. Because of the low soil exposure by Diglyme a soil biodegradation study is not warranted.