United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Research
Laboratory
Duluth MN 558O4
EPA-600 3-80-057
July 1980
Research and Development
&ER&
Toxicity of
1,1 -Dichloroethylene
(Vinylidene Chloride) to
Aquatic Organisms
-------
RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH series. This series
describes research on the effects of pollution on humans, plant and animal spe-
cies, and materials. Problems are assessed for their long- and short-term influ-
ences. Investigations include formation, transport, and pathway studies to deter-
mine the fate of pollutants and their effects. This work provides the technical basis
for setting standards to minimize undesirable changes in living organisms in the
aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/3-80-057
July 1980
TOXIC1TY OF 1,1-DICHLOROETHYLENE (VINYLIDENE CHLORIDE)
TO AQUATIC ORGANISMS
by
D. C. Dill
W. M. McCarty
H. C. Alexander
E. A. Bartlett
The Dow Chemical Company
Midland, Michigan 48640
Project Officer
John I. Teasley
Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY-DULUTH
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
DULUTH, MINNESOTA 55804
-------
DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Environmental Research Labora-
tory-Duluth, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publica-
tion. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the
views and policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does
mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
11
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FOREWORD
The Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth is charged in part with
the development of aquatic life criteria for environmental pollutants.
The data reported in this manuscript are the result of research con-
ducted by the staff of the Environmental Sciences Research Laboratory of
The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan 48640.
Norbert Jaworski, Ph.D
Director
Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
111
-------
ABSTRACT
Studies were conducted to determine the acute toxicity of 1,1-dichloro-
ethylene [(vinylidene chloride) VDC] to fish and macroinvertebrates. The
methods included a 96-hour static toxicity test using fathead minnows,
Pimephales promelas Rafinesque; a 48-hour static toxicity test using water
fleas, Daphnia magna Straus; and a 13-day flow-through toxicity test using
the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque.
The 96-hour static LC50 value for fathead minnows was 169 (161 to 179)*
mg/L. The LC50 value is the calculated concentration of toxicant which
would kill 50 percent of the test organisms within a specified time period,
e.g., 96 hours. The 48-hour static LC50 for daphnids was 11.6 (9.0 to 14.0)
mg/L. The 96-hour flow-through LC50 value for fathead minnows was 108 (85
to 117) mg/L. The threshold LC50 value in flowing water was demonstrated
after 7 days to be 29 (23 to 34) mg/L. The threshold LC50 value is achieved
when there is no further decline in the LC50 value over a period of three to
four days or more. Loss of body equilibrium (swimming disorientation) was
the major sublethal toxic effect noted in the static and flow—through fish
tests. Many fish affected in the static test recovered in 48 hours, perhaps
because of volatilization of the toxicant. However, all affected fish in
the flow-through test died by day 7. The 24- and 48-hour LC50 water flea
test values were identical, probably because of volatilization of the test
material during the first 24 hours.
The difference in the static and flow-through fish toxicity values
stresses the importance of conducting a flow-through test with volatile
chemicals to adequately determine acute and longer term exposure effects
(>96 hours).
This report was submitted by The Dow Chemical Company in cooperation
with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth. This report covers
the period from October 12, 1976, to February 13, 1977, and work was com-
pleted on October 13, 1977.
*95 percent confidence interval in parentheses
iv
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CONTENTS
Foreword iii
Abstract iv
Figures vi
Tables vi
Acknowledgment vii
1. Introduction 1
2. Methods and Materials 2
Chemical 2
Water 2
Fish 5
Water fleas 5
3. Experimental Procedures 6
Static toxicity tests 6
Flow-through toxicity tests 7
Analytical 8
4. Statistical Calculations 9
5. Results and Discussion 10
References 17
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FIGURES
Number Page
1 Data Plot of LC50 Values and Their 95 Percent Confidence Inter-
vals for the VDC Flow-through Test 14
2 Data Plot of the LC50 and Equilibrium EC50 Values for the VDC
Flow-through Test 16
TABLES
1. Physical Properties of VDC 2
2. Lake Huron Water Analyses 3
3. Raw Lake Huron Water Analyses 4
4. VDC Static Acute Fish Toxicity LC50 Values 10
5. VDC Static Acute Water Flea LC Values 11
6. VDC Flow-Through Toxicity Test LC Values and 95 Percent Confi-
dence Intervals Using Fathead Minnows, Pimephales promelas . . 12
7- Measured VDC Water Concentrations from the Flow-Through Fish
Toxicity Test Using Fathead Minnows, Pimephales promelas ... 13
8. Comparison of Flow-Through and Static Fish Toxicity LC50 Values
for VDC Exposed Fathead Minnows, Pimephales promelas .... 15
vi
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors wish to thank Terry L. Batchelder and Joanne Yoshimine
with their kind assistance in the fish and water flea tests. We are also
indebted to Glenn U. Boggs for his able assistance with the analytical
methods.
The Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth wishes to express its
appreciation to the staff of the Environmental Sciences Research Laboratory,
The Dow Chemical Company, for permitting the publication of their findings
in the EPA series.
vii
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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1,1-Dichloroethylene [vinylidene chloride (VDC)] is a raw material
which is polymerized in the production of resins and latexes. It is also
a raw material in other chemical processes, such as copolymerization with
vinyl chloride in the production of SARAN* plastic films. Because of VDC's
widespread use, large production, and bulk transport, certain basic environ-
mental tests were considered necessary.
These environmental tests included static acute toxicity tests using
fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, and water fleas, Daphnia
magna Straus. An acute flow-through fish toxicity test was also run with
fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, to determine the differ-
ences in results between the static and flow-through test systems.
*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company
1
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SECTION 2
METHODS AND MATERIALS
CHEMICAL
The test chemical used in the static fathead minnow and water flea
toxicity tests and the flow-through fathead minnow toxicity test was the
distilled monomer with a minimum of 99.5 percent VDC. The major impurities
were identified as the cis and trans isomers of 1,2-dichloroethylene. Some
physical properties of VDC are presented in Table 1.
TABLE 1. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF VDC
Specific gravity 1.202 to 1.212
Melting point1 -122.5°C
Boiling point 31.7°C
Flash point1 -15°C
2
Vapor pressure 409 mmHg @ 15°C
2
Water solubility 0.26 wt percent @ 15°C
The Merck Index. M. Windholz, editor, Merck and
Co., 9th Edition, 1976.
2
DeLassus, P. T. 1977. Solubilities of Vinyl
Chloride and Vinylidene Chloride in Water.
SCP-106. The Dow Chemical Company. Midland,
Michigan 48640.
DILUTION WATER
The dilution water used in the fathead minnow and water flea toxicity
tests was carbon filtered raw Lake Huron water. Raw Lake Huron water was
obtained from the city of Midland, Michigan's, water pipeline prior to treat-
ment for the city's water supply. This water exhibits chemical character-
istics listed in Tables 2 and 3 (Hunemorder et al., 1977).
-------
TABLE 2. LAKE HURON WATER ANALYSES
Dissolved oxygen >80 percent saturated
pHb 7.9
Total alkalinity, mg/L as CaCCL 85
Total hardness, mg/L as CaCCL 100
£•
Specific conductivity, ymhos/cm 170
«a
Yellow Springs Instruments Model 54 - Oxygen Meter.
Sargent-Welch pH Meter - Model LS.
Yellow Springs Instruments Model 31 - Conductivity Bridge.
-------
TABLE 3. RAW LAKE HURON WATER ANALYSES PRIOR TO CARBON FILTRATION
Parameter Value (mg/L)
Alkyl benzene sulfonate (0.10)*
Arsenic <0.005
Barium 0.011
Cadmium (0.01)*
Chlorine 10.0
Chromium (0.01)*
Copper 0.03
Cyanide (0.01)*
Fluoride <0.5
Iron 0.1
Lead (0.03)*
Magnesium 7.0
Manganese 0.01
Nitrate 0.5
Phenols (0.001)*
Selenium (0.02)*
Silver (0.01)*
Sulfate 16
Total dissolved solids 144
Zinc 0.03
PCB's <0.02 x 1(T
Mercury (0.002)*
*Parameter was below the limits of detection which are included in
parentheses.
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FISH
Adult fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, were used in
the fish toxicity tests. They were purchased from White Bear Bait Company,
White Bear Lake, MN, and transported by airfreight to our laboratory. The
fathead minnows were held in dilution water at 12°C +_ 1°C for at least 10
days prior to testing. They were kept in a 16-hour light/8-hour dark cycle.
A synthetic diet (Mehrle, 1976) was fed to all fish during the acclimation
period. Feeding was stopped 3 days prior to the tests to empty the diges-
tive tract.
WATER FLEAS
First instar Daphnia magna Straus were used in the static water flea
test. First instar water fleas were defined as being less than 24 hours
old. Stock cultures of the test species were maintained in 18L glass
aquaria at 17°C +_ 1°C, with a 16-hour light/8-hour dark cycle. Cultures
were fed a suspension of finely ground Master Mix Trout Pellets (Master Mix
Feeds, Portland, Michigan) and alfalfa (10 mg solids per mL of suspension).
First instar water fleas were collected by pouring stock culture water
through three nested baskets made of stainless steel mesh. A 16-mesh screen
basket allowed first instars to pass through while retaining the larger
water fleas. A 25-mesh screen retained intermediate sizes, but allowed
first instars to pass through. A 50-mesh screen retained the first instars.
-------
SECTION 3
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
STATIC WATER FISH TOXICITY TEST
The static water fish toxicity test was conducted according to test
methods described by the Committee on Methods for Toxicity Tests with Aquatic
Organisms (1975). Methyl alcohol (glass distilled) was used as the carrier
solvent to prepare stock solutions of VDC. A control containing the same
amount of alcohol present in the highest chemical concentration and a Lake
Huron water control were included in each test series. The fish were not
fed nor were test solutions renewed during the test. Dead or affected fish
were counted daily and the dead fish removed.
The toxicity test was conducted by placing 10 liters of 12°C dechlori-
nated Lake Huron water in a round all-glass aquarium measuring 26 cm deep by
24.5 cm in diameter, having a maximum capacity of 12 liters. VDC stock
solution was added by pipette below the water surface and swirled quickly to
disperse it. Ten fish, averaging 35 mm standard length and 0.8 gm, were
added to each aquaria. The aquaria were covered with SARAN* plastic food
wrap to retard volatilization during the first 24 hours. The loading of the
aquarium was 0.8 gram fish per liter. A constant temperature water bath
kept the aquaria temperature at 12°C +_ 1°C.
The nominal concentration was used to calculate LC50 toxicity value.
The nominal concentration is the value calculated from the amount of VDC
initially added to a volume of water. However, the actual concentration
of VDC in each aquaria was probably less than nominal concentration because
of losses from volatilization. The highest concentration of methanol used
in any test solution did not exceed 0.5 mg/L. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was
monitored on days 1 and 3 and did not drop below 60 percent saturation. The
test was terminated after 96 hours.
STATIC WATER FLEA TOXICITY TEST
The static water flea test exposed Daphnia magna Straus, reared in
our laboratory, to various concentrations of VDC in dilution water at 17°C
for 48 hours. Stock solutions of VDC were prepared in methanol both to
dilute the test material and to facilitate rapid mixing with water. The
*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company
6
-------
required amount of stock solution was combined with sufficient dilution
water to make a final volume of 200 mL in a 250 mL glass test beaker. A
water and a solvent control were also set. The solvent control contained
the same amount of methanol as the highest test chemical concentration.
Methanol concentrations did not exceed 0.1 mg/L. Ten first instar water
fleas were added to each beaker and the beakers set in a constant tempera-
ture incubator having a 16-hour light/8-hour dark cycle. There were three
beakers for each exposure concentration and each control. Mortality data
were recorded at 24 and 48 hours; death was defined as no response to a
gentle prodding. Dead organisms were not removed from any test beaker
during the test.
FLOW-THROUGH TEST
In the flow-through test, one liter of fresh solution containing VDC
was supplied every seven minutes to each exposure aquaria"throughout the
testing period. For each cycle, a methanol stock solution (containing 626
mg of VDC per ml) was delivered by pump (Harvard Apparatus 1302 Lambda)
to a covered mixing chamber to give a nominal exposure level of 400 mg/L
in the first exposure aquaria. A flow-through dilutor system similar to
that described by Mount and Brungs (1967), was used to deliver the various
VDC concentrations. The aquaria were molded glass, measuring 18.5 cm wide
and 28.5 cm long. The water depth was 12.5 cm, giving 6.6 liters water
per aquarium. A clear plastic cover was placed over each exposure aquarium
to retard volatilization of title material. VDC concentrations were deter-
mined by GC analysis, and proper dilutor operation confirmed before the fish
were transferred into the aquaria. The dilutor was designed to supply a
series of nominal concentrations each 75 percent of the preceding value.
The loading per aquaria was 0.09 gm fish/liter/day.
The concentration of VDC in each test chamber was monitored by gas
chromatography. Twenty mL samples of each aquaria were taken once per day
for the first five days (Monday through Friday) and then on Monday, Wednes-
day, and Friday for the remainder of the test. Samples were taken in glass
vials with perfluorocarbon plastic-lined caps. Samples were immediately
put on ice and analyzed by gas chromatography.
The fish were not fed during the first 96 hours of the test. However,
from day 5 to 13, the fish were fed a synthetic diet once daily. The flow-
through test was terminated when the toxicity curve (LC50 vs. exposure time)
became stable.
VDC ANALYSIS
Concentrations of 1,1-dichloroethylene were monitored using a HP 5700
Gas Chromatograph (GC) with a flame ionization detector. The parameters
for the GC analysis were:
aHewlett-Packard Corp., Avondale, PA 19311
-------
1/4" OD x 2 mm ID glass column
1 ]l 1 on column injection
0.4 percent E1500 on Carbopack A
60°C isothermal
150°C detector temperature Flame lonization Detector
20 cc/minute carrier gas N_
1x1 attenuation
The GC was calibrated daily using a fresh standard solution prior to
analysis of test samples. To prepare the working standard, an aliquot of
the VDC concentration standard in methyl alcohol was diluted with water.
Direct aqueous injection was used for the water samples. The title compound
was qualitatively identified by comparison with the retention time of the
standard. Quantitation of VDC concentration was by comparison of peak areas
of the samples to that of a standard solution using the external standard
program of the Hewlett-Packard 3380 integrator.
-------
SECTION 4
STATISTICAL CALCULATIONS
Lethal Concentration (LC) results for the flow-through fish test were
calculated in terms of the average analyzed concentration producing death to
10 percent, 50 percent, and 90 percent of the test organisms (LC10, LC50,
and LC90) after exposure for a specified period of time. The 95 percent
confidence interval was calculated for each LC value. The static water flea
and static fish test LC50 values were calculated using nominal VDC water
concentrations. A computer program of Finney's methods of probit analysis
(Finney, 1952) was utilized to calculate the LC values, the confidence inter-
val, and the slope of the. regression curve for the static water flea test
and the flow-through fish test. The LC50 values and 95 percent confidence
intervals for the 96-hour static fish toxicity test were calculated using a
computer program of Thompson's methods of moving averages (Thompson, 1947).
Effect Concentration (EC) results for the flowing water fish test were
calculated as the average analyzed concentration which produced an observed
adverse effect in 50 percent of the test organisms exposed for a specified
time period. Adverse effects observed included loss of body equilibrium,
melanization, and mortality. Effect concentration values were calculated
using Finney's method of probit analysis.
-------
SECTION 5
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The 96-hour static fish toxicity LC50 value was 169 mg/L (161 to 179).
Data are presented in Table 4. The 48-hour static water flea toxicity LC50
value was 11.6 mg/L (9 to 14). The 24-hour and 48-hour water flea LC values
are identical, indicating that the compound probably had volatilized from
the exposure beakers. Table 5 gives a more detailed summary of the calcu-
lated water flea LC values.
The calculated LC values for the 13-day flow-through fish toxicity
test are given in Table 6. The exposure concentrations used in the LC calcu-
lations were the average of 8 GC measured values per concentration. A sum-
mary of the GC measured concentrations over the duration of the test are
presented in Table 7. Day to day variation in any one concentration was +_
13 percent of its average concentration. A computer drawn plot of LC50
values and their 95 percent confidence interval as a function of time (Fig-
ure 1) shows that the LC50 concentration remained steady through day 4, took
a steep drop from day 5 to 6, then stabilized at 29 mg/L (25 to 34) on day 7
where it remained until the test ended.
TABLE 4. VDC STATIC ACUTE FISH TOXICITY LC50 VALUES
Nominal Concentration (mg/L)
24 h 48 h 96 h
LC50 95 percent CI3 LC50 95 percent CI LC50 95 percent CI
175 167 to 186 169 161 to 179 169 161 to 170
Confidence interval.
10
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TABLE 5. VDC STATIC ACUTE WATER FLEA LC VALUES
Nominal Concentration (mg/L)
Hours LC10 LC50 LC90 Slope3
24 3.8 11.6 35.9 2.6
(1.3 to 5.8) (9.0 to 14.0) (25.2 to 87.8) (1.4 to 3.8)
48 3.8 11.6 35.9 2.6
(1.3 to 5.8) (9.0 to 14.0) (25.2 to 87.8) (1.4 to 3.8)
Slope represents the rate of change in mortality as a function of
time on a logarithmic scale.
95 percent confidence interval in parentheses.
11
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TABLE 6. VDC FLOW-THROUGH TOXICITY TEST LC VALUES AND 95 PERCENT CONFI-
DENCE INTERVALS USING FATHEAD MINNOWS, PIMEPHALES PROMELAS
Measured Concentration (mg/L)
Day LC10
1 94
(27 to 106)
2 93
(38 to 103)
3 93
(38 to 103)
4 93
(38 to 103)
5 67
(43 to 79)
6 54
(38 to 63)
7 20
(14 to 24)
8 20
(14 to 24)
9 20
(14 to 24)
10 20
(14 to 24)
11 20
(14 to 24)
12 20
(14 to 24)
13 20
(14 to 24)
LC50
116
(99 to 143)
108
(85 to 117)
108
(85 to 117)
108
(85 to 117)
97
(82 to 115)
74
(63 to 85)
29
(25 to 34)
29
(25 to 34)
29
(25 to 34)
29
(25 to 34)
29
, (25 to 34)
29
(25 to 34)
29
(25 to 34)
LC90
142
(125 to 555)
126
(116 to 221)
126
(116 to 221)
126
(116 to 221)
140
(118 to 226)
101
(87 to 138)
43
(36 to 62)
43
(36 to 62)
43
(36 to 62)
43
(36 to 62)
43
(36 to 62)
43
(36 to 62)
43
(36 to 62)
Slope3
14.3
19.3
19.3
19.3
7.9
9.3
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
Slope represents the rate of change in mortality as a function of time
on a logarithmic scale.
95 percent confidence interval in parentheses below corresponding LC
value.
12
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TABLE 7. MEASURED VDC WATER CONCENTRATIONS* FROM THE FLOW-THROUGH FISH
TOXICITY TEST USING FATHEAD MINNOWS, PTMEPHALES PROMELAS
Nominal Concentration (mg/L)
Measured
Concentration
(mg/L)
Day 0
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 7
Day 9
Day 11
Average
Measured
Concentration
400
140
123
100
117
125
129
150
120
126
300
131
109
87
114
107
92
109
106
107
225
88
69
68
80
71
63
73
72
73
170
59
56
41
54
56
49
55
53
53
125
47
35
27
30
42
31
43
31
36
95
39
33
24
32
31
24
35
30
31
70
24
21
18
19
22
19
21
18
20
50
19
15
13
15
16
15
19
16
16
40
22
15
13
14
16
15
16
15
16
*Analyzed using a HP5700 GC with flame ionization detector.
13
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FIGURE 1. DATA PLOT OF LC50 VALUES AND THEIR 95 PERCENT CONFIDENCE INTERVALS
FOR THE VDC FLOW-THROUGH TEST
Concentration
mg/L
140
120
100
80
60
40 , .
20
A —A —A-^A
D — D —
— A~A—A—A—A—A
-I 1 1 1 1 § 1 1 f.
012345
'•— VDC LC50 (mg/L)
'O— Low 95 percent CI
'A— High 95 percent CI
6 7
Days
8 9 10 11 12 13
-------
Table 8 compares the 24- through 96-hour LC50 values of both the static
and flow-through toxicity tests. One might conclude from these mortality
data there was little difference in the two systems, other than the approxi-
mate 35 percent difference in LC50 values. However, there were major dif-
ferences in the observed distress effects between the two tests. In the
static test, fish which were in distress (mainly affected with loss of equi-
librium-swimming disorientation) during the first 24 hours, had either died
or completely recovered in 48 hours, exhibiting no further distress symptoms
nor any mortality between 48 and 96 hours. The 96-hour mortality effects
were very similar in both tests. However, in the flow-through test, dis-
tressed fish continued to show symptoms (again a loss of body equilibrium)
from 48 to 96 hours and never recovered. All distressed fish were dead
by day 7 of the flow-through test. The data plot of EC50 vs. LC50 values
given in Figure 2 shows this phenomenon.
The LC50 value differences in the static and flow-through tests were
probably due to the high volatility of the VDC. In the static test, the
distressed fish were observed to recover in 48 hours, and no further
increase in mortality occurred. However, in the flow-through test where the
concentration of VDC was kept at a constant level, the fish continued to
become distressed and die through day 7. Thus, the flow-through test, which
provided a chronic exposure of toxicant to the test organism, was able to
provide additional valuable data about the toxicity of the volatile title
compound.
TABLE 8. COMPARISON OF FLOW-THROUGH AND STATIC FISH TOXICITY LC50
VALUES FOR VDC EXPOSED FATHEAD MINNOWS, PIMEPHALES
PROMELAS
Concentration (mg/L)
Hour
24
48
72
96
Flow-through
116
108
108
108
(99
(85
(85
(85
to
to
to
to
143)C
117)
117)
117)
157
169
169
169
Static
(167
(161
(161
(161
to
to
to
to
186)
179)
179)
179)
Calculated using the daily measured concentrations averaged over the
13 day test.
Calculated using the nominal concentration (amount of VDC added at
start of test).
"95 percent confidence interval in parentheses.
15
-------
FIGURE 2. DATA PLOT OF THE LC50 AND EQUILIBRIUM EC50 VALUES
FOR THE VDC FLOW-THROUGH TEST
Concentration
mg/L
120 T
100
80 • •
60 . .
40
20
\
1
A —A —A —I
-I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1-
012345
6 7
Days
8 9 10 11 12 13
VDC LC50 (mg/L)
VDC EC50 (mg/L)
-------
REFERENCES
Committee on Methods for Toxicity Tests with Aquatic Organisms. "Methods
for Acute Toxicity Tests with Fish, Macroinvertebrates, and Amphibians."
EPA-660/3-75-009, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvalis,
Oregon, 1975. 67 pp.
Finney, D. J. "Statistical Methods in Biological Assay. Cambridge Univer-
sity Press," London, 1952. 333 pp.
Hunemorder, E. J. et al. Dow Report ML AL 77-50645. Analytical Labora-
tories, Dow Chemical U.S.A., Midland, Michigan, 1977. 3 pp.
Mehrle, P. M. USDI Fish and Wildlife Services, Columbia, Missouri. Per-
sonal communication to E. A. Bartlett, Dow Chemical U.S.A., Midland,
Michigan, 1976.
Mount, D. I., and W. A. Brungs. "A Simplified Dosing Apparatus for Fish
Toxicity Studies." Water Research 1:21-29, 1967.
Thompson, W. R. "Use of Moving Averages and Interpolation to Estimate
Median-Effective Dose." Bacteriological Reviews 11:(2) 115-143, 1947.
17
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/3-SO-057
2.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Toxicity of 1 , 1-Dichloroethylene (Vinylidene Chloride)
to Aquatic Organisms
7. AUTHOmS)
). C. Dill
W. M. McCarty
H. C. Alexander
E. A. Bartlett
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Environmental Sciences Research
?he Dow Chemical Company
Midland, Michigan 48640
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
Office of Research and Development
J.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
5. REPORT DATE
July 1980
Issuing Date.
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
N/A
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/03
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
This paper is Dow Chemical Co. Publication No. B-600-147-80.
ene [(vinylidene chloride) VDC] to fish and macroinvertebrates . The methods included
a 96-hour static toxicity test using fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque;
a 48-hour static toxicity test using water fleas, Daphnia magna Straus; and a 13-day
flow— through toxicity test \.
The 96-hour static LC50 valv
..C50 value is the calculatec
the test organisms within a
LC50 for daphnids'was 11.6 1
for fathead minnows was 108
water was demonstrated aftei
value is achieved when there
three to four days or more.
the major sublethal toxic el
tfany fish affected in the st
tilization of the toxicant.
by day 7. The 24- and 48-hc
jecause of volatilization ol
ence in the static and flow-
conducting a flow-through t«
ising the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque.
le for fathead minnows was 169 (161 to 179)* mg/L. The
. concentration of toxicant which would kill 50 percent of
specified time period, e.g., 96 hours. The 48-hour static
9.0 to 14.0) mg/L. The 96-hour flow-through LC50 value
(85 to 117) mg/L. The threshold LC50 value in flowing
• 7 days to be 29 (23 to 34) mg/L. The threshold LC50
! is no further decline in the LC50 value over a period of
Loss of body equilibrium (swimming disorientation) was
:fect noted in the static and flow-through fish tests.
:atic test recovered in 48 hours, perhaps because of vola-
However, 'all affected fish in the flow-through test died
>ur LC50 water flea test values were identical, probably
: the test material during the first 24 hours. The differ-
-through fish toxicity values stresses the importance of
>st with volatile chemicals to adequately determine acute
and longer term exposure effects 1^*0 nours;.
17. ° KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
a. DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
fathead minnow toxicity acute
Pimephales pjrpmelas invertebrates static
fish Daphnia magna toxicity test
1 , 1-dichloroethylene
bioassay
flow— through
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release to public
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)'
Unclassified
20.TSECURITY .CLASS (This page)
Unclassified
c. COSATI Field/Group
06/F
21. NO. OF PAGES
26 "
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (R.v. 4-77)
PREVIOUS EDITION IS OBSOLETE Q
a U.S. GOVERNMENT HUNTING OFFICE: I960-657-165/0068
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