Effects of pH on the acute toxicity and uptake of (14C)pentachlorophenol in the midge, Chironomus riparius

Journal Article · Fri Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1986 · Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-6513(86)90023-0· OSTI ID:5674513

Fisher, S W; Wadleigh, R W

The acute toxicity of pentachlorophenol (PCP) was determined at pH levels 4, 6, 9 to the midge, Chironomus riparius, with the findings that PCP is of greatest toxicity at pH 4 and of least toxicity at pH 9. This differential toxicity is attributable to variations in uptake levels at the respective pH levels. At pH 4, PCP is fully protonated and therefore highly lipophilic. The amount of (14C)PCP present in the midges at 24 hr is thus highest at pH 4. Conversely, at pH 9, the compound is completely ionized. The reduction in lipophilicity at pH 9 decreases the ability of the compound to penetrate into the midge, thereby decreasing the observed toxicity of the compound.

• Research Organization: Ohio State Univ., Columbus
• OSTI ID: 5674513
• Journal Information: Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf.; (United States), Journal Name: Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf.; (United States) Vol. 1; ISSN EESAD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560304* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Invertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
ARTHROPODS
CARBON 14 COMPOUNDS
DIPTERA
INSECTS
INVERTEBRATES
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
LIPIDS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
PH VALUE
RESPONSE MODIFYING FACTORS
SOLUBILITY
TOXICITY
TRACER TECHNIQUES
UPTAKE