Acute toxicity of three alkylbenzene sulfonates in six freshwater aquatic species

This study was conducted to support the environmental risk assessment of alkylbenzene sulfonates (ABS). The acute toxicity of three ABS (linear (n-ABS), branched (BABS), and alkyl phenoxybenzene (APBS) sulfonates), were evaluated on six aquatic organisms from different trophic levels (algae, daphnid, amphipod, mussel, snail, and fish). Endpoints related to survival, growth, and physiological changes were recorded to determine each species’ sensitivity to these surfactants. Chemical analysis was conducted to validate exposure concentrations. Comparisons between the three ABS were, however, conducted based on nominal concentrations, due to the absence of pure analytical standards for APBS.


Results showed differences in sensitivity among compounds for all species exposed to environmental concentrations of ABS, except for snails, which showed similar sensitivity for all surfactants and were among the most tolerant species. Based on nominal concentrations, the EC50/LC50 for each n-ABS, BABS, and APBS varied. The most sensitive species to n-ABS were fish, mussels, and amphipods, while amphipods and mussels were the most sensitive to BABS and APBS, respectively. Species sensitivity was also evaluated using measured concentrations of n-ABS and BABS. The results indicated that EC50/LC50 values varied and were in the range of environmental concentrations. These species could therefore be relevant sensitive model organisms for the environmental risk assessment of n-ABS and BABS.


All data are subject of a publication containing method details, full QA/QC, interpretations and conclusions. Citation: Hanana, H., Gilroy, È. A. M., Bartlett, A. J., Bennett, C. J., Brinovcar, C. J., Brown, L., Clarence, S., De Silva, A. O., Gillis, P. L., Hedges, A., Khan, H., Lavalle, C., Parrott, J. L., Pham-Ho, V., Salerno, J., Shires, K., & Houde, M. (2025). Acute toxicity of three alkylbenzene sulfonates in six freshwater aquatic species. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 295, 118127. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118127


Supplemental Information


The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is a Government of Canada initiative aimed at reducing the risks posed by chemicals to Canadians and their environment. A key element of the Chemicals Management Plan is the monitoring and surveillance of levels of harmful chemicals in Canadians and their environment. Monitoring and surveillance are essential to identify and track exposure to hazards in the environment and associated health implications. Monitoring and surveillance programs provide the basis for making sound and effective public health and environmental health policies and interventions, as well as measuring the efficacy of control measures. 


In support of the Chemicals Management Plan, monitoring and surveillance initiatives were established to support Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada scientists, in collaboration with external partners and researchers, to advance our knowledge. This initiative has allowed the Government of Canada to increase its commitment to a number of existing monitoring initiatives, as well as to support new efforts. 


For more information on the Chemicals Management Plan, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/chemicals-management-plan.html

Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada | Environnement et Changement climatique Canada