4,4'-Methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline) (MOCA): Environmental effects
Description
The chemical properties of 4,4'- Methylenebis (2-Chloroaniline) indicate that about 43% will enter the water, 28% aquatic sediments, and 30% terrestrial soil. The concentration of 4,4'-Methylenebis (2-Chloroaniline) found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of 4,4'-Methylenebis (2-Chloroaniline) in the water from which the fish was taken. It can become concentrated in the root fibres of plants grown in soil that contains the compound. Can broken down by microscopic organisms in the soil or air. 4, 4'-Methylenebis (2-Chloroaniline) has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to predict the short-term effects on plants, birds, or land animals.
Entering the environment
It may enter the environment from industrial effluents or spills. Sunlight and air will breakdown the compound, as will the action of microorganisms in soil or water. It can be accumulated in the root systems of some plants and vegetables grown in soil from waste disposal sites where it has been disposed of. 4,4'-Methylenebis (2-Chloroaniline) is moderately soluble in water. It strongly attaches to soil particles if it is disposed of and is unlikely to enter groundwater. It does not readily evaporate from soil or water.
Where it ends up
It will remain strongly attached to soil particles if it is disposed of in landfills or waste sites. 4, 4'-Methylenebis (2-Chloroaniline) is moderately persistent in the environment with a half-life of between 20 to 200 days. It can accumulate in the roots of vegetables grown in soil that contain it as a contaminant.
Environmental guidelines
No national guidelines.
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