Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: 200-835-2 | CAS number: 75-05-8
Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
The acute toxicity of acetonitrile to fish has been studied in several freshwater species. Reported LC50 values range from 730 mg/L to 7050 mg/L. Brooke et al (1984) reported the only flow-through study with a 96-hour LC50 value of 1640 mg/L in Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow). The lowest acute toxicity value reported for fish is a 48-hour TLm value of 730 mg/L reported by Nishiuchi in Oryzias latipes (Medaka, high-eyes). Tonogai et al (1982) reported an 48-hour LC50 value of >1000 mg/L in the same species, which is consistent with findings in other fish species tested. The reason for the low value in the Nishiuchi study is not clear.
In a guideline (OECD 204) and GLP study, MCSI of Japan (1996) reported the 21 -day NOEC for acetonitrile in fish (Oryzias latipes) to be > 102 mg/L (nominal conc.) using flow-through exposure conditions.
The acute toxicity of acetonitrile on aquatic invertebrates has been studied by several investigators. Reported LC50 values range from 400 mg/L to 8250 mg/L. The lowest values were reported by Barahona-Gomeriz et al (1994), who studied the marine crustacean, Artemia salina and reported 24 -hour LC50 values in 24, 48 and 72-hr larvae exposed to acetonitrile of 641, 521 and 400 mg/L, respectively.
21-day NOEC (reproduction) values of 160 mg/L and > 960 mg/L have been reported for acetonitrile in Daphnia magna.
Reported toxicity values for acetonitrile in freshwater algae range from 520 mg/L (8-day TT in the blue-green algae Mictocystis aeruginosa) to 7943 mg/L (48-hr EC50 in the green algae Raphidocelis subcapitata).
In a Guideline GLP study (CEMR, 2010) the effect of acetonitrile on the unicellular marine algae (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) was assessed over 72 hours using a static, sealed test system with no head space to avoid loss of the test substance by volatilisation from the test system.After 72 hours the following effect concentrations were calculated:
ErC50(growth rate) 9696 (95% CI: 7484 - 17597) mg/L
EyC50(yield) 3560 (95% CI: 1604 - 7017) mg/L
The "no observed effect concentration" (NOEC) and "lowest observed effect concentration" (LOEC) for both growth rate and yield where statistically derived as 400 and 1600 mg/L respectively.
In a guideline (OECD 209) and GLP study by Brixham Environmental Laboratory (2009) the 30 -min NOEC for acetonitrile in an Activated Sludge Respiration Inhibition Test was determined to be 320 mg/L. Previous data on the toxicity of acetonitrile to aquatic microorganisms was evaluated in the EU RAR. Reported toxicity values ranged from 73 mg/L to 28,000 mg/L. The lowest value by an order of magnitude was reported by Blum and Speece (1991), a 24-hour IC50 of 73 mg/L in Nitrosomas sp., based on inhibition of ammonia consumption.
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