Chronic toxicity of sediment-associated linear alkylbenzene sulphonates (LAS) to freshwater benthic organisms.
The toxicity of linear alkylbenzene sulphonates (LAS), to freshwater benthic organisms was assessed during exposure to spiked sediment. Lethal and sub-lethal end-points were monitored for two organisms (oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus and nematode Caenorhabditis elegans). Results demonstrated relatively low toxicity (LOECs>100 mg/kg dry weight). No observed effect concentrations (NOECs) of 81 mg/kg dw (Lumbriculus) and 100 mg/kg dw (Caenorhabditis) were determined. For the oligochaete, no specific endpoint was particularly sensitive to LAS. For the nematode, egg production was the most sensitive endpoint. Significant degradation was measured over the 28-day duration of the Lumbriculus study, equating to a half-life of 20 days in sediment.
WRc-NSF, Henley Road, Medmenham, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 2HD, UK. sean.comber@atkinsglobal.com
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D017738:Alkanesulfonic Acids / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000502:physiology*; D005618:Fresh Water; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D019055:No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000502:physiology*; D012098:Reproduction; D018570:Risk Assessment; D036401:Toxicity Tests, Chronic; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*
D017738:Alkanesulfonic Acids; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C030641:alkylbenzyl sulfonic acid