Phosphoric acid: Environmental effects
Description
Phosphoric acid has moderate acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic life in waters of low alkalinity. Whilst small quantities of phosphoric acid can be neutralised by the alkalinity in aquatic ecosystems, larger quantities can lower the pH for extended periods of time, posing a potential risk to aquatic organisms. Phosphate (formed when phosphoric acid is dissolved) is unlikely to bioaccumulate in most aquatic species. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term and long-term effects of phosphoric acid on plants, birds or land animals.
Entering the environment
Phosphoric acid can be transported as mist in air and dissolved in water.
Where it ends up
Phosphoric acid entering the environment can acidify soils and waters. Smaller quantities of phosphoric acid will be neutralised forming harmless phosphate salts or it will be diluted to harmless levels.
Environmental guidelines
Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (ANZECC, 1992):
Total phosphate: 10 to 100 micrograms/L (ie 0.00001 to 0.0001g/L)
Key
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