Quality criteria of acrylonitrile for the protection of aquatic life in China

Freshwater quality criteria of acrylonitrile were developed on the basis of the features of the aquatic biota in China, and with reference to U.S.EPAʹs guidelines. Acute tests were performed on each of eight different domestic species to determine 48h-EC50/96h-EC50 (or 96h-LC50) values for acrylonitrile. 21d survival-reproduction test with Daphnia magna, 28d early life stage test with Bufo bufo gargarizans and 96h growth inhibition test with Lemna minor were also conducted to estimate lower chronic limit / upper chronic limit values. The final acute value, the final chronic value and the final plant value of acrylonitrile was 3.842 mg/L, 0.4827 mg/L and 8.803 mg/L respectively. A criterion maximum concentration (1.921 mg/L) and a criterion continuous concentration (0.4827 mg/L) were derived. The results of this study may provide useful data to derive national WQC for acrylonitrile as well as the procedures of deriving WQC for other chemicals based on aquatic biota in China.