Aquatic hazard, bioaccumulation and screening risk assessment for ammonium 2, 3, 3, 3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)-propanoate. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoke, Robert A.; Ferrell, Barbra D.; Sloman, Terry L.; Buck, Robert C.; Buxton, L. William
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 149(2016)
• Page Start: 336
• Page End: 342
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Aquatic toxicity -- Bioconcentration -- Hazard assessment -- Risk assessment -- Perfluoroalkyl substances; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.01.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: The fluoropolymer manufacturing industry is moving to alternative polymerization processing aid technologies with more favorable toxicological and environmental profiles as part of a commitment to curtail the use of long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). To facilitate the environmental product stewardship assessment and premanufacture notification (PMN) process for a candidate replacement chemical, we conducted acute and chronic aquatic toxicity tests to evaluate the toxicity of ammonium 2, 3, 3, 3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)-propanoate (C6 HF11 O3 .H3 N) or the acid form of the substance to the cladoceran, Daphnia magna, the green alga, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, and a number of freshwater fish species including the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, In addition, testing with the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, was conducted to determine the bioconcentration potential of the acid form of the compound. Based on the relevant criteria in current regulatory frameworks, the results of the aquatic toxicity and bioconcentration studies indicate the substance is of low concern for aquatic hazard and bioconcentration in aquatic organisms. Evaluation of environmental monitoring data in conjunction with the predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) based on the available data suggest low risk to aquatic organisms. Highlights: The fluoropolymer industry is moving to alternative polymerization processing aid with more favorable environmental profiles. One candidate replacement chemical is ammonium 2, 3, 3, 3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)-propanoate. Aquatic toxicity studies indicate ammonium 2, 3, 3, 3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)-propanoate is not classified for aquatic hazard. A bioconcentration study with common carp indicates the substance is of low concern for bioconcentration. PNEC comparisons with reported surface water concentrations suggest the risk to aquatic organisms is low.