Environmental Fate, Effects, and Health Hazards of Fenac.
Abstract
Various environmental factors (e.g. hydrolysis, photodegradation, microbial degradation, sorption to sediment, and bioaccumulation by aquatic organisms) were investigated that may influence the fate of fenac in the aquatic environment as well as its effect on certain aquatic organisms. To assess the potential hazard of fenac to human health, the metabolic fate of the herbicide in rats and its ability to induce mutations also were examined. In these studies it was found the fenac was not adsorbed in significant amounts by aquatic sediments nor did it undergo hydrolysis in an aqueous solution. The herbicide was not readily degraded in an aqueous solution. The herbicide was not readily degraded in an aqueous solution by light at 300 nm, but did undergo photodegradation in the presence of certain photosensitizers. The microorganisms in lake water, sediment, or activated sludge were not able to degrade the herbicide to a significant extent. Fenac did not bioaccumulate in fish (bluegill sunfish and catfish) or Daphnia to a significant extent and was not metabolized by the fish. Fenac was readily absorbed by rats following oral and intraperitoneal administration, metabolized to several products and the chemical and its metabolites were eliminated from the animal via both the urine and feces. The major route of elimination of the fenac and its metabolites was via the urine. Although fenac and its metabolites were distributed to a variety of tissues, the major sites of distribution were the lung, liver, and kidney.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA114030
Entities
People
- Edward J. Pack
- Harish C. Sikka