1,1,1-Trichloroethane: medium-term toxicity to carp, daphnids, and higher plants

The toxicity of 1,1,1-trichloroethane to carp (Cyprinus carpio) and daphnids (Daphnia magna) and the effects of gaseous-phase exposure on the growth of higher plants (Sorghum bicolor and Brassica napus) were investigated. The test systems were designed to minimize loss of the volatile material during the exposure period. During an exposure period of 14 days, there were no mortalities or other symptoms of toxicity in carp exposed to a mean measured 1,1,1-trichloroethane concentration of 7.7 mg/liter. The survival and reproduction of daphnids over a test period of 17 days were not affected at a measured concentration of 1.3 mg/liter. Growth of emergent seedlings was not inhibited at measured gaseous-phase concentrations of 18 mg/liter for S. bicolor and 6.9 mg/liter for B. napus. The simple modifications made to standard techniques proved sufficient to maintain the exposure concentrations of this volatile chemical. Mean measured concentrations were generally greater than 60% of the nominal values.