Acute and chronic effects of carrier solvents in aquatic organisms: a critical review
In: Aquatic Toxicology. Elsevier Science: Tokyo; New York; London; Amsterdam. ISSN 0166-445X; e-ISSN 1879-1514, more
|  |
| Keywords |
Acetone
Chemical compounds > Organic compounds > Hydrocarbons > Saturated hydrocarbons > Acyclic hydrocarbons > Ethane
Chemical compounds > Organic compounds > Hydrocarbons > Saturated hydrocarbons > Acyclic hydrocarbons > Methane
Chemical compounds > Organic compounds > Ketones > Acetone
Solvents > Amides > Dimethylformamide
Solvents > Ketones > Ketone bodies > Acetone
Toxicology > Ecotoxicology
Triethylene glycol
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
ecotoxicological experiments; carrier solvents; acetone;dimethylformamide; dimethylsulfoxide; ethanol; methanol; triethyleneglycol |
| Authors | | Top |
- Hutchinson, T.H.
- Shillabeer, N.
- Winter, M.J.
- Pickford, D.B.
|
|
|
| Abstract |
Recognising the scientific and regulatory need for testing relatively hydrophobic or ‘difficult substances’, the OECD currently recommends that selected organic solvents may be used in aquatic toxicity testing in order to help achieve more effective dispersion of the toxicant. The OECD recommends a maximum solvent concentration of 100 μl l−1 (with specific gravity equivalents to 100 μl l−1 in parentheses) for acetone (79 mg l−1), dimethylformamide (95 mg l−1), dimethylsulfoxide (1.10 mg l−1), ethanol (78.9 mg l−1), methanol (79.2 mg l−1) and triethylene glycol (1.12 mg l−1). While this recommendation is supported by historical data, we have recently observed evidence that some solvents may affect the reproduction of certain fish species, and also impact biomarkers of endocrine disruption. This review presents available data on the effects of solvents in aquatic organisms, supplemented by relevant information from mammalian studies (e.g. effects on liver enzyme induction potentially altering the metabolism of sex hormones). In conclusion, it is recommended that maximum effort should be given to avoiding the use of carrier solvents wherever possible, for example through the use of saturation columns or other physical methods (e.g. stirring or ultrasonification). Where solvent use is necessary, however, it is recommended that in reproduction studies with aquatic organisms, the maximum solvent concentration should not exceed 20 μl l−1 of dilution water. |
|
