No abstract

The toxicity of certain chlorinated paraffins (CPs) to fish and birds is presented. No toxic response could be demonstrated. A high molecular weight CP (42% Cl w/w) containing a 14C radiolabel was taken up into the tissues of rainbow trout and mussels. Comparison of CP concentration in tissues, as measured by a thin-layer chromatographic technique and 14C, indicated that mussels expelled the CP as the parent compound. Trout, however, appeared to metabolize the material. The ability of aerobic microorganisms to oxidize a range of CPs depends upon their previous acclimatization, the hydrocarbon chain length, and its degree of chlorination. Short-chain compounds are the most readily oxidized at chlorine levels below 60% (w/w). Complete breakdown has been demonstrated for a long-chain CP over a period of 8 weeks. Anaerobic microorganisms, under the experimental conditions examined, did not degrade a specific CP in 30 days.

No abstract