Kerosine (Fischer-Tropsch), full-range, C8-16-branched and linear

Endpoint summary

Additional information

Evidence that ‘Kerosine (Fischer-Tropsch), full range, C8-16 - branched and linear’ is likely to be nontoxic to the limit of water solubility was provided in the form of QSAR estimates for non-polar narcotics (Peter Fisk Associates, 2006). The QSAR estimates, which considered linear:branched ratios of 20:80 and 80:20, indicate that the substance would not be acutely toxic to fish, invertebrates or algae at a loading rate of 100 mg/L. Chronic toxicity was predicted for fish and invertebrates (NOELs of 0.008 and 0.056 mg/L, respectively) but not for algae (NOEL > 100 mg/L) [2 x key studies “Short-term toxicity to fish.001” & “Short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates.001” & 1 x weight of evidence “Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria.002”].

Data for an analogue substance have also been compiled by Peter Fisk Associates (2006): C8-C13 mixed paraffins (normal, iso- and cyclic) [EC name: Naphtha (petroleum), hydrotreated heavy; CAS 64742-48-9] as evaluated in the OECD SIDS dossier (2003).

‘Naphtha (petroleum), hydrotreated heavy’ is defined as: “A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by treating a petroleum fraction with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C6 through C13 and boiling in the range of approximately 65°C to 230°C (149°F to 446°F).

Because of the way in which ‘Kerosine (Fischer-Tropsch), full range, C8-16 - branched and linear’ is manufactured, it is unlikely to contain sulphur and nitrogen - so hydrodesulphurised or hydrotreated petroleum derived kerosines are appropriate comparison substances.

The following measured ecotoxicity data for ‘Naphtha (petroleum), hydrotreated heavy’ were reported by Peter Fisk Associates (2006) - the tests were conducted in accordance with OECD test guidelines and achieved Klimisch reliability ratings of 1 or 2 (reliable or reliable with restrictions):

-         OECD 203; Rainbow trout; test media were water accommodated fractions, drawn off after mixing with dilution water for 70-73 hours and

settling for 1-2 hours.

Result: LL50 (96h) > 1000 mg/l (nontoxic to the limit of water solubility)

 

-         OECD 202; Daphnia magna; test media were water accommodated fractions, drawn off after mixing with dilution water for 43 hours and

settling for 1-2 hours.

Result: EL50 (48h) > 1000 mg/l (nontoxic to the limit of water solubility).

 

-         OECD 201 sealed test; green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata; test media were water   accommodated fractions, drawn off after mixing with

dilution water for 25 hours in sealed vessels and settling for 1 hour.

Result: EL50 (72h) > 1000 mg/l (nontoxic to the limit of water solubility).

The test data indicate that the analogue substance is likely to be nontoxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates and algae, to the limit of water solubility. The property summary review prepared by Peter Fisk Associates (2006) also refers to preliminary results of testing with ‘Kerosine (Fischer-Tropsch), full range, C8-16 - branched and linear’ in green algae, which produced the same outcome (EL50 > 1000 mg/l) as the analogue chemical. It should be noted that the original study reports have not been reviewed further.

Finally measured acute toxicity data for GTL Kerosine (=Kerosine (Fischer-Tropsch), full range, C8-16 – branched and linear) are available from a test with the freshwater alga, Raphidocelis subcapitata (Shell Global Solutions, 2006). Although the test was non-GLP, the results are judged to be reliable based on the description of the test method. The 72-hour EL50 values determined in the test for both growth rate and biomass end points were both >1000 mg/l. NOELs of 10 mg/l and 100 mg/l were determined for effects on biomass and growth rate respectively [key study “Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria.001”].

Conclusion: The acute toxicity predictions obtained using the methods described in Peter Fisk Associates (2006) indicate that a 100 mg/l water-accommodated fraction of ‘Kerosine (Fischer-Tropsch), full range, C8-16 - branched and linear’ would not be acutely toxic to aquatic organisms. Tests carried out on a representative sample of the substance and a related Kerosine substance have demonstrated an absence of acute toxic effects at a loading rate of 1000 mg/l.

Classification: The classification of the substance ‘Kerosine (Fischer-Tropsch), full range, C8-16 - branched and linear’ for acute toxicity, using the EU and GHS system of Classification and Labelling, is inapplicable as the median acute effect concentrations in fish, daphnids and algae are well above 100 mg/l on a lethal loading basis. This means that the substance cannot be categorised as hazardous to the aquatic environment based on its acute toxicity.