Triethylmethylammonium Tetrafluoroborate

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

In guideline tests (OECD 201, 202) with triethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate, the 72-h ErC50 for the inhibition of growth rate of P. subcapitata was estimated with > 103 mg/L whereas the 48-h EC50 for the immobilisation of Daphnia magna was reported with 106 mg/L. The corresponding 72-h NOErC and ErC10 for the inhibition of growth rate of P. subcapitata were estimated with ≥ 103 mg/L.

Thus, effect concentrations are above the OECD test limit for acute toxicity tests and triethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate appears to have a low potential for toxicity to freshwater algae and crustacea.

Conclusions on classification:

Regarding the classification as "hazardous to the aquatic environment", (acute) aquatic toxicity studies with triethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate are available for algae and Daphnia.  

Acute toxicity:

Reliable acute aquatic toxicity data of triethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate are available from guideline studies for algae and daphnia with EC50 values of > 103 and 106 mg/L, respectively. Effect concentrations are above the respective OECD test limit of 100 mg/L and are well above the classification cut-off for acute (short-term) aquatic hazard category 1. Thus, triethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate does not meet classification criteria as acute (short-term) hazard to the aquatic environment under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.

Long-term toxicity:

Chronic aquatic toxicity data of triethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate are available from a guideline study for algae, and the 72-h NOErC and ErC10 values for the inhibition of growth rate of P. subcapitata were estimated with > 103 mg/L and are well above the classification cut-off value of 1 mg/L for long-term aquatic hazard category 1 -3.

Since long-term data are not available for invertebrates, the surrogate approach is applied. Triethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate with a log Kow of < -3.3 is not readily biodegradable. Based on classification criteria for substances for which adequate chronic toxicity are not availlable in Table 4.1.0 (b) (III), Figure 4.1.1 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and adequate acute toxicity data of Daphnia with an E50 of 106 mg/L, triethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate does not classify as long-term aquatic hazard category 1 -3. Criteria for classification in category 4 are also not met. Therefore, triethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate does not meet classification criteria as long-term hazard to the aquatic environment under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.

Thus, triethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate does not meet classification criteria as acute and long-term hazard to the aquatic environment under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and subsequent adaptations.