Effects of styrene on growth inhibition of Raphidocelis subcapitata

Abstract

Styrene is a volatile chemical used as a raw material for production of synthetic resins and synthetic rubbers. A study of inhibition of algal growth was carried out according to OECD test guideline 201 in a completely closed system to clarify the inhibition of growth of the green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata by styrene. The median effective concentration for growth rate (E_rC₅₀) and no-observed-effect concentration for growth rate (NOEC_r) based on the measured concentrations of styrene were 5.99 mg/L and 0.985 mg/L, respectively. Based on these results, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) classification of hazards to the aquatic environment of styrene was Category 2 for short-term (acute) exposure and Category 3 for long-term (chronic) exposure.