Environmental properties of long-chain alcohols, Part 2: Structure–activity relationship for chronic aquatic toxicity of long-chain alcohols

Daphnia magna reproduction tests were performed with C10, C12, C14 and C15 alcohols to establish a structure–activity relationship of chronic effects of long-chain alcohols. The data generation involved substantial methodological efforts due to the exceptionally rapid biodegradability of the test substances and the need to test as close as possible to their water solubility limits. Test concentrations were determined by GC–MS before and after test solution renewal. Whereas apparent toxicity based on survival and reproduction increased with increasing C-chain lengths up to C14, observations of toxicity to C15 alcohol were not in line with lower chain lengths due to the lack of toxicity below the level of water solubility. When omitting C15, the slope of most (Q)SARs approach −1, being consistent with the expectation of a non-polar narcotic mode of action. Further testing at higher chain lengths is not sensible due to progressively lower solubility, at remaining biodegradability. Effects on mortality and reproduction are not expected below the level of water solubility.