2-ethylaminoethanol

Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria

Description of key information

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of 2-(Ethylamino)ethanol on the growth of the green alga, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, during a 72-hour growth inhibition toxicity test conducted in accordance with OECD Chemicals Testing Guideline No.201 Alga, Growth Inhibition Test (adopted 23 March 2006).
The geometric mean measured concentrations of 2-(Ethylamino)ethanol were 0.265, 0.948, 3.22, 10.6, 34.6 and 121 mg/L corresponding to 88.9, 99.4, 106, 109, 111 and 121%. Comparison of the measured results for test vessels with and without algae indicated slight absorption of 2-(Ethylamino)ethanol in the presence of algae at nominal 2-(Ethylamino)ethanol concentrations ≤0.954 mg/L. As mean measured concentrations were within 80 – 121% of the nominal concentration toxicity results have been reported in terms of nominal concentrations.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

EC50 for freshwater algae:

37.3 mg/L

EC10 or NOEC for freshwater algae:

9.77 mg/L

Additional information

Under the conditions of this test, 2-(Ethylamino)ethanol was considered to be harmful to Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata at nominal 2-(Ethylamino)ethanol concentrations >0.954 mg/L as significant effects on growth relative to the control treatment were observed.

The validity criterion of achieving an increase in control cell density by at least a factor of 16 was achieved. Therefore, the environmental conditions of the test were considered acceptable. The mean coefficient of variation for section-by-section specific growth rates (0 - 24, 24 - 48 and 48 - 72 hours) in the control cultures did not exceed 35%.

The coefficient of variation for average specific growth rates during the whole test period in replicate control cultures did not exceed 7% and therefore the validity criteria were met.