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EC number: 200-835-2 | CAS number: 75-05-8
- Life Cycle description
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- Endpoint summary
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- Endpoint summary
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- Ecotoxicological Summary
- Aquatic toxicity
- Endpoint summary
- Short-term toxicity to fish
- Long-term toxicity to fish
- Short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
- Long-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
- Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria
- Toxicity to aquatic plants other than algae
- Toxicity to microorganisms
- Endocrine disrupter testing in aquatic vertebrates – in vivo
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- Toxicological Summary
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- Acute Toxicity
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- Genetic toxicity
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- Specific investigations
- Exposure related observations in humans
- Toxic effects on livestock and pets
- Additional toxicological data

Short-term toxicity to fish
Administrative data
Link to relevant study record(s)
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.
Key value for chemical safety assessment
Fresh water fish
Fresh water fish
- Effect concentration:
- 1 640 mg/L
Additional information
The acute toxicity of acetonitrile to fish has been studied in several freshwater species. Brooke et al, 1984 conducted exposure using flow-through apparatus; all other studies have used a static design. The fish toxicity data for acetonitrile were reviewed in the EU Risk Assessment Report (2000). A summary of the available data is shown in the table below. A single additional study has been obtained since the EU RAR. In a guideline (OECD 203) limit study under GLP conditions, MCSI of Japan (1996) reported the 96 -hr LC50 for acetonitrile in fish (Oryzias latipes) to be >100 mg/L (nominal conc.).
The acetonitrile data base includes values for Pimephales promelas, Lepomis macrochirus, Leuciscus idus melanotus, Poecilla reticulata and Oryzias latipes. The lowest value is the 48 h TLm, 730 mg/l, reported in IUCLID as toxicity for Oryzias latipes while all 48-96 h LC50 values are in the g/L range. Information on additional fish species can be obtained from other sources. The WHO report (1993) includes 14 acute LC50 values on seven fish species. Significant values are 24-48 h LC50 values higher than 1g/L for Oryzias latipes, and two 48 h LC50s, 730 and 880 mg/L on Cyprinus carpio and Ctenopharyngodon idellus respectively. The data set includes flow through and static test as well as different water pH and hardness conditions. Relevant differences on acetonitrile toxicity regarding water quality conditions were not observed.
The lowest acute toxicity value reported for fish is 730 mg/l as reported by Nishiuchi, although discrepancies between the fish species showing this toxicity appear when comparing IUCLID 2000 and the other reviews. The original paper has been submitted but it is in Japanese; however, the title and the scientific names also appear in English and indicate that the toxicity data are for the carp, Cyprinus carpio, and therefore is reported as toxicity for carp in the table below. In any case, the fish species is not relevant for this assessment and the value will be used as the lowest acute fish toxicity value.
Toxicity of Acetonitrile to Fish (EU Risk Assessment Report, 2000)
SPECIES | TEST TYPE | COMMENTS | DURATION | TOXICITY END POINT(mg/l) | REFERENCE |
Pimephales promelas(fresh water) | Static nominal concentration | Used as additional information | 96h | LC50=1000-1150 | Henderson et al., (1961) (cited in UK and IPCS reports) |
Pimephales promelas(fresh water) | Static nominal concentration | Valid | 96h | LC50> 100 | Ewell et al., (1986)
|
Lepomis macrochirus(fresh water) | Static nominal concentration | Used as additional information | 24-46h | LC50= 1850 | Henderson et al., (1961) (cited in UK and IPCS reports) |
Ctenopharyngodon idellus | Static nominal concentration | Used as additional information | 24-48h | LC50= 1950 LC50= 880 | Chen, (1981) (cited in IPCS) |
Poecilia reticulata(fresh water) | Static nominal concentration | Used as additional information | 24-96h | LC50= 1650 | Henderson et al, (1961) (cited in UK and IPCS reports) |
Oryzias latipes(fresh water) | Static nominal concentration | Used as additional information | 24-48h | LC50> 1000 | Tonogai et al., (1982) (cited in UK and IPCS reports) |
Cyprinus carpio(fresh water) | -- | Valid | 48h | LC50= 730 | Nishiuchi (1981)
|
Pimephales promeles(fresh water) | flow through measured concentration | Valid | 96h | LC50=1640 | Brooke et al, 1984 Centre for Lake Superior Environmental studies |
Leciscus idus melanotus(fresh water) | Static | Used as additional information | 48h | LC50= 5850-7050 | Juhnkeand Ludemann (1978) (cited in UK and IPCS report) |
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