Studies and evaluation of the potential toxicity of decabromodiphenyl ethane to five aquatic and sediment organisms

The potential toxicity of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDP-Ethane) was explored in 5 types of organisms residing in the water column and/or sediment, e.g. Oncorhynchus mykiss, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Daphnia magna, Chironmus riparius, and Lumbriculus variegates. Fish, algae or Daphnia were unaffected by acute exposures to water accommodated fractions of 110 mg DBDP-Ethane/L. Chronic exposure to DBDP-Ethane at the highest dose tested, 5000 mg/kg dry sediment, did not affect midge mean development times, emergence or development rates or oligochaete survival, reproduction or dry weight. The chronic EC50, LOEC and NOEC were ≥5000 mg/kg in the two sediment species. Applying an assessment factor of 50, the unbounded predicted no effect concentration (PNECsediment) was 100 mg/kg dry sediment. The calculated PNEC indicates DBDPE-Ethane presents little risk to sediment organisms. These results add to DBDP-Ethane's existing database in the terrestrial compartment and mammals.

► Potential effects of decabromodiphenyl ethane were assessed in aquatic and sediment species.
► The 28-day NOECmidge, oligochaete was ≥5000 mg/kg d.w. sediment.
► The Acute NOECtrout, daphnia, algae was ≥110 mg/L WAF.
► The PNECsediment=100 mg/kg d.w. sediment.
► The Risk Quotientsediment based on reported environmental concentrations was 0.0043.