Abstract
In this study, an artificial stream mesocosm consisting of a head tank, faster-flowing riffle section, gravel section, pool section, lower-run section, and tail tank was installed to simulate a chemical spill in a river. The responses of freshwater periphyton algae, crustacea (Moina macrocopa), freshwater worm (Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri), benthic midge (Glyptotendipes tokunagai), and fish (Zacco platypus and Aphyocypris chinensis) were observed after exposure to benzyl chloride (classified as an accident preparedness substance, APS) at concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 µL/L for 22.5 h. Higher concentrations increased the inhibition (photosynthetic efficiency decrease) of periphyton algae and the mortality of M. macrocopa, whereas the reproduction of the female cladoceran decreased in the 4 µL/L treatment. Mortality of fish did not occur or was lower (≤20%) at all concentrations; however, toxic symptoms were observed for some time after chemical exposure termination and later, symptoms receded. G. tokunagai mortality increased at all concentrations except the control after seven days, and no significant toxic effects were observed in L. hoffmeisteri. The hazardous concentration of benzyl chloride was calculated as 94 µg/L. This study showed the different sensitivities of each species to benzyl chloride. The findings can assist in environmental risk assessment of APSs after chemical spills to protect Korean aquatic species.
Highlights
Benzyl chloride is used in various industrial purpose such as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of certain dyes and pharmaceutical products, perfume, flavor products and as a photographic developer
Based on the physicochemical properties of benzyl chloride, the fraction of distribution was estimated using Level III fugacity modelling by EpiWin (US EPA) and the results showed that benzyl chloride remains predominantly in the water after its release (Table 3)
Benzyl chloride was released into the water directly in this study, it was expected that most of the benzyl chloride was distributed in the water according to this estimation result
Summary
Benzyl chloride is used in various industrial purpose such as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of certain dyes and pharmaceutical products, perfume, flavor products and as a photographic developer. It can be used in the manufacture of synthetic tannins and as a gum inhibitor in petrol [1] and the world consumption of benzyl chloride has increased steadily due to those diverse applications [2]. According to the FACTS (Failure and Accidents Technical Information System) website, more than 25,700 industrial accidents occurred globally in the past 90 years, and there were five accidents involving benzyl chloride [4].
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