Journal Published Online: 01 January 1979
Volume 7, Issue 1

Acute Fish Toxicity and Absorption Tests of an Experimental Detergent Builder, Trisodium Carboxymethyloxysuccinate

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Trisodium carboxymethyloxysuccinate (NaCMOS) is a new sequestering agent being evaluated as a builder in detergents. It contains neither phosphorus nor nitrogen and is readily and completely biodegraded in aerobic and anaerobic environments. The concentration of NaCMOS lethal to 50% of a batch of fish over 96 h (TLm96) in static tests is 2.9 g/litre and 2.3 g/litre for goldfish (Carassius auratus) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), respectively, in hard water (300 mg hardness/litre as calcium carbonate). These concentrations are 2300 to 160 000 times greater than the predicted concentrations that could occur in the aquatic environment from the use of NaCMOS as a detergent builder. The highly polar character of NaCMOS indicates that it would not be bioconcentrated; this is consistent with the results of absorption tests using 14C-labeled NaCMOS and goldfish. The results support the environmental acceptability of NaCMOS.

Author Information

Newsome, CS
Environmental Safety Division, Unilever Research Laboratory, Colworth House, Sharnbrook, Bedford
How, MJ
Environmental Safety Division, Unilever Research Laboratory, Colworth House, Sharnbrook, Bedford
Pages: 2
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JTE11195J
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE11195J