Effects of temperature and chemical formulation on the acute toxicity of pentachlorophenol to Simocephalus vetulus (Schoedler, 1858) (Crustacea: Cladocera)

Abstract

The influence of temperature on the acute toxicity of a technical formulation (86%) and pure formulation (99%) of pentachlorophenol (PCP) to less than 24‐h‐old Simocephalus vetulus neonates was determined with 48‐h static toxicity tests. The technical grade PCP was significantly more toxic to S. vetulus than the pure PCP (P < 0.05). Sensitivity of S. vetulus to technical PCP also significantly increased with temperature (P < 0.05), but a significant temperature effect was not found with the pure PCP. The mean 48‐h LC₅₀ values for neonates exposed to technical PCP were 140 and 199 μg l^?1 at 22°C and 16°C, respectively, and for those exposed to pure PCP were 262 and 304 μg l^?1, respectively.