Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: 204-699-5 | CAS number: 124-41-4
Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
Additional information
Experimental studies on sodium methanolate investigating terrestrial toxicity are not available.
In water, sodium methanolate rapidly hydrolyses to methanol and sodium hydroxide (OECD, 2002). Due to the rapid hydrolysis of sodium methanolate, the assessment of the terrestrial toxicity is based on the products of hydrolysis i.e. methanol and sodium hydroxide.
Sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide further dissociates in the environment
to sodium (Na+) and hydroxyl ions (OH-). Sodium belongs to the alkali
metals and is one of the most common elements in the earth crust.
Together with potassium ions (K+),
sodium ions (Na+)
are responsible for maintaining the cell membrane potential and
essential for the function of all living cells (Clausen&Poulsen, 2013).
Many physiological processes in organisms are driven by the influence of
sodium. Thus, sodium ions are not considered to be relevant for aquatic
toxicity.
Hydroxyl ions may cause a change (increase) of pH of the receiving
environmental compartment. This may result in effects on aquatic
organisms in case the pH is changed outside of the tolerable pH-range.
Thus, hydroxyl ions do not have an intrinsic toxicity but may cause
physical effects depending on the buffer capacity of the aqueous medium
(OECD, 2002). It has to be noted that effluents from sewage treatment
plants are measured frequently for its pH and are appropriately adapted
before release if needed. In addition, due to the dilution effects and
buffer capacity of natural aquatic ecosystems significant pH changes
followed by effects on aquatic species are not expected (OECD, 2002).
In conclusion, any observed effects after exposure of terrestrial
organisms to sodium hydroxide is considered to be solely caused by a
potential change of pH. Sodium ions are not considered to contribute to
terrestrial toxicity.
Methanol
Data on methanol investigating the long-term toxicity
to soil organisms are available for terrestrial plants, earthworms and
terrestrial arthropods (Stantec 2006).
Following NOEC values have been derived for the most sensitive endpoints of the investigated species.
Earthworm (Eisenia andrei)
NOEC (63 d ): 10000 mg/kg dw based on reproduction
Terrestrial arthropods (Folsomia candida)
NOEC (28 d) 1000 mg/kg dw based on reproduction
Terrestrial plants
NOEC (21 d, Medicago sativa): 1555 mg/kg dw based on shoot dry mass and
length
NOEC (14 d, Hordeum vulgare): 1555 mg/kg dw based on shoot dry mass
NOEC (21 d, Elymus lanceolatus): 2592 mg/kg dw based on shoot dry mass
and length, root dry mass
All the available data consistently demonstrate the very low terrestrial toxicity of methanol for terrestrial organisms.
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