Title: Aquatic toxicity of acetonitrile and its water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life in China

Authors: Tong Zhang, Hongjun Jin

Addresses: Department of Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, P.R. China. ' Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China

Abstract: The freshwater quality criteria of acetonitrile were studied on the basis of the features of the aquatic biota in China, and with reference to US EPA|s guidelines. Acute tests were performed on 13 different species to determine 48h-EC₅₀/96h-EC₅₀ (or 96h-LC₅₀) values for acetonitrile. 2ld survival-reproduction tests with Daphnia magna and growth inhibition tests with Lemna minor were also conducted to estimate lower chronic limit and upper chronic limit values. In the acute tests, Radix plicatula was the most sensitive species to acetonitrile followed by Chironomus sp., Cyprinus carpio and D. magna in turn. The final acute value of acetonitrile was 2290 mg/l. In the chronic tests, reproduction of daphnids was significantly reduced by acetonitrile at 320 mg/l. Acute-to-chronic ratios ranged from 2 to 15.8. A final chronic value of 413.9 mg/l was obtained and a final plant value was 1342 mg/I. A criterion maximum concentration (1145 mg/l) and a criterion continuous concentration (413.9 mg/l) were derived.

Keywords: acetonitrile; aquatic toxicity; freshwater quality criteria; China.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2001.004933

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2001 Vol.15 No.5, pp.568 - 575

Published online: 26 Jul 2004 *

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