Abstract
The necessity for the aquatic ecological risk assessment for benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is increasing due to its high toxic potential and high detection frequency in freshwater. The initial step in the ecological risk assessment is to determine predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC). This study derived PNEC of BP-3 in freshwater using a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach, whilst existing PNECs are derived using assessment factor (AF) approaches. A total of eight chronic toxicity values, obtained by toxicity testing and a literature survey, covering four taxonomic classes (fish, crustaceans, algae, and cyanobacteria) were used for PNEC derivation. Therefore, the quantity and quality of the toxicity data met the minimum requirements for PNEC derivation using an SSD approach. The PNEC derived in this study (73.3 μg/L) was far higher than the environmental concentration detected in freshwater (up to 10.4 μg/L) as well as existing PNECs (0.67~1.8 μg/L), mainly due to the difference in the PNEC derivation methodology (i.e., AF vs. SSD approach). Since the SSD approach is regarded as more reliable than the AF approach, we recommend applying the PNEC value derived in this study for the aquatic ecological risk assessment of BP-3, as the use of the existing PNEC values seems to unnecessarily overestimate the potential ecological risk of BP-3 in freshwater.
Highlights
Benzophenones (BPs) have ultraviolet protective properties; they have been frequently utilized as photo initiators, ultraviolet (UV) blockers, and photophysical probes in several industrial applications and personal care products [1]
Growth inhibition, immobility, and survival rate were estimated for each aqueous organism exposed to BP-3, and EC50 or LC50 were calculated using CETIS software
In the chronic toxicity test of M. macrocopa exposed to BP-3 for 14 days, mortality was observed at 1 mg/L
Summary
Benzophenones (BPs) have ultraviolet protective properties; they have been frequently utilized as photo initiators, ultraviolet (UV) blockers, and photophysical probes in several industrial applications and personal care products [1]. Is one of the most widely used BPs, common in plastics, sunscreens, and cosmetics. Its ubiquity means it can be readily introduced to freshwater systems directly from water recreational activities (e.g., removal from human skin during swimming and bathing) and indirectly from sewage discharge (e.g., the release of wastewater originating from showering and/or laundry processes) [2,3]. Benzophenones, including BP-3, are considered pseudo-persistent pollutants due to their extensive use and continuous disposal [4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
