2-phenoxyethanol

Short-term toxicity to fish

Description of key information

The LC50 for freshwater fish was determined as 344 mg/L. 

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Fresh water fish

Fresh water fish

Effect concentration:

344 mg/L

Additional information

Several studies are available for the acute toxicity of 2-phenoxyethanol to fish.

In the first key study, the acute toxicity of 2-phenoxyethanol (purity 95%) to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) was tested in a flow-through system at nominal concentrations of 0, 68, 113, 188, 313 and 522 mg/L according to U.S. EPA guideline (Brooke et al. 1984). The testing resulted in a LC₅₀after 96 hours of 344 mg/L (mean measured concentration). Symptoms of toxicity already occurred from a measured concentration of 270 mg/L. Affected fish stopped schooling, became hypoactive on the tank bottom and lost equilibrium prior to death.

In the second key study, the acute toxicity of monophenylglykol (pure) to the golden orfe (Leuciscus idus L., golden variety) was determined in a static system at nominal concentrations of 0, 100, 215, 464 and 1000 mg/L, following DIN guideline 38 412 (BASF AG, 1988). As a result, the LC₅₀ after 96 hours was determined to be in the range of > 220 mg/L and < 464 mg/L (nominal concentrations). Fish exposed to a concentration of 215 mg/L showed symptoms of toxicity (apathy, tumbling, gasping and narcotic-like state) at all exposure times.

A number of supporting studies confirmed this effect concentration range: The acute toxicity of 2-phenoxyethanol (purity only 85.7% with 12% Phenoxydiethanol) to the zebra fish (Danio rerio) was tested in a semi-static system at nominal concentrations of 0, 100, 180, 300, 520 and 900 mg/L according to EU method C.1 (Sasol Germany GmbH, 1994). The LC₅₀ after 96 hours was determined as 154 mg/L (mean measured concentration). Further supporting studies reported endpoints for Ptychocheilus oregonensis in a semi-static saltwater system with an LC₅₀ (48h) of 135 mg/L (nominal), an LC₅₀ (96h) of 366 mg/L (nominal) for fathead minnows in a static freshwater system, an LC₅₀ (96h) of 478 mg/L (nominal) for fathead minnows in a static freshwater system, a LOEC (96h) of 370 mg/L (nominal) for Lepomis macrocirus in a freshwater flow-through system and a LC₅₀ (8h) of 333 mg/L (nominal) for Oncorhynchus nerka in a freshwater system.