Reaction products of sodium glucoheptonate with copper sulfate and ammonium hydroxide

Ecotoxicological Summary

Conclusion on classification

For the endpoint aquatic toxicity two GLP-compliant key studies with the registered substance were conducted. The acute toxicity to D. magna was studied with an Acute Immobilisation test according to the OECD Guideline 202. The EC50 (48 h) value was 1.6 mg/L. The toxicity to aquatic algae was investigated with a Growth Inhibition study on P. subcapitata according to the OECD Guideline 201. The EC50 (72 h) value (referring the growth rate) was 0.94 mg/L. The key values are in a range of copper toxicities identified in a number of studies. The key value of 0.94 mg/L obtained in the Growth Inhibition key study according to the OECD Guideline 201 (Kamle, 2017) is just below the limit of 1 ml/L for classification as hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute category 1. Due to the fact that there is evidence that the toxicity of copper strongly depends on environmental factors not accounted for in laboratory studies, laboratory results lead to an overestimation of copper toxicity when compared to the situation in field. Factors significantly reducing copper toxicity are dissolved organic carbon content (Kramer et al. 2004, De Schampelaere et al. 2004, and 2002), low pH-value, Calcium (De Schamphelaere et al. 2002), Sodium (De Schamphelaere et al. 2004) and increasing hardness of water (Lloyd 1961). Therefore, the substance Copper glucoheptonate is not intended to be classified as hazardous to the environment, taking into account the provisions laid down in Council Directive 67/548/EEC and CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.