Ferric ammonium citrate

Additional ecotoxological information

Administrative data

Endpoint:

additional ecotoxicological information

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

other information

Reliability:

4 (not assignable)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: see 'Remark'

Remarks:

A non-standard study of the amelioration of heavy metal toxicity on primary productivity of aquatic ecosystems by Calcium, Magnesium and Iron. The study does not relate directly to any of the standard short- or long-term toxicity endpoints that are assessed under REACH.

Data source

Reference

Reference 1

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

No information

Reference 2

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Unnamed

Year:

1992

Materials and methods

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The inufluence of three heavy metals (copper, cadmium and nickel) and three common metals (calcium, magnesium and iron) on the productivity of two aquatic bodies was evaluated. Only the effects of ferric ammonium citrate are considered in this summary.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Reaction mass of ammonium iron(III) citrate and ammonium sulphate

EC Number:

932-833-9

IUPAC Name:

Reaction mass of ammonium iron(III) citrate and ammonium sulphate

Results and discussion

Any other information on results incl. tables

Fe+++ as ferric ammonium citrate reduced productivity of both water bodies. EC50 values were 28.18 mg/L for gross and net productivity in the freshwater tank water, and 35.48 and 31.6 mg/L for gross and net productivity, respectively, in the stabilization pond water. Thus, the effects were more evident in the freshwater tank where productivity was decreased by 12% and 94% on exposure to concentrations of 5 and 100 mg/L Fe+++ respectively.

Though Fe alone reduced productivity, it decreased Cu toxicity, probably through chelation. Similarly, a decrease in Cd toxicity was evident following addition of Fe, Cd toxicity being decreased to a lesser extent in lower concentrations of Cd while at higher (20 and 40 mg Cd/L) concentrations the beneficiary effect of Fe was prominent.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

Addition of Ferric ammonium citrate to two freshwater bodies decreased primary productivity. The effects were most marked in a freshwater tank where 12% and 94% reductions were observed following exposure to 5 and 100 mg/L F e+++ respectively. An EC50 value of 28.18 mg/L has been determined for effects on gross and net productivity in the freshwater tank water, and EC50 values of 35.48 and 31.6 mg/L have been determined for effects on gross and net productivity in stabilization pond water.