Acrolein (2-propenal): Environmental effects
Description
Acrolein has very high or high toxicity to various species of freshwater fish, aquatic invertebrates, algae and aquatic plants. Because of its toxicity to aquatic plants and algae and its relatively rapid dissipation from water, it is used as a herbicide in aquatic systems such as irrigation channels. There is no evidence that it accumulates in living tissues, although studies of high and long-term repeated doses in animals indicate that acrolein causes systemic effects in a number of systems, including respiratory, reproductive, neurological and haematological systems.
Entering the environment
Acrolein can enter the environment as a result of burning trees, cigarettes or fuel. It may be present in the air, water or land. Acrolein may also enter the environment as a result of industrial spills or from hazardous waste sites. Water treated with acrolein for weed control is withheld for a sufficient time for the acrolein to dissipate before it is released to the environment.
Where it ends up
Acrolein will decompose quickly in air (about half will disappear within a day), by reacting with other chemicals or from exposure to sunlight.
Acrolein dissipates rapidly from soil and water by degradation and volatilisation.
Environmental guidelines
The Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality indicate a freshwater Environmental Concern Level of 0.01 µg/L. This is approximately 1000 times lower than lethal levels to the most sensitive organisms.
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