Integration of aquatic fate and ecological responses to linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) in model stream ecosystems

Abstract An integrated model stream ecosystem fate and effect study of dodecyl linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (C 12 LAS) was performed in the summer and fall of 1996. The study addressed responses of periphytic microbes, immature benthic fauna including abundance, drift, and emergence of adult insects in a 56-day exposure. Exposures ranged from 126 to 2978 μg/L and were continuously presented in a single-pass, flow-through test system. Microbial heterotrophs acclimated to C 12 LAS exposure quickly (14 days) and biodegraded C 12 LAS at all concentrations. Blue-green algae responded by increasing in abundance with increasing C 12 LAS concentration. Invertebrates responded by increased drift and reduced benthic abundances at concentrations exceeding 293 μg/L. Emergence at 927 μg/L also declined relative to the control. Adverse responses for mayflies and chironomids were indicated using univariate statistical techniques. Multivariate techniques indicated these taxa plus mollusks, aquatic worms, caddisflies, and stoneflies were impaired at some concentrations. Bioavailability of C 12 LAS was investigated in streams as a function of the total suspended solid load in the water column driven by local weather and watershed patterns. A continuous bioavailability model indicated exposure was reduced by an average of 8.5±8.9%. A model ecosystem no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) was concluded to be 293 μg/L based on measured water column exposure and adjusted to 268 μg/L by the bioavailability model. A literature review of 13 available model ecosystem studies was conducted and NOEC conclusions were adjusted by a structure–activity relationship to a dodecyl chain length (sulfophenyl position and distribution being ignored due to lack of information in the reviewed studies). Lentic studies ( n =7) were found to have higher NOECs than lotic studies ( n =6) and were more variable. Mean NOECs±SD for all studies, lentic studies only, and lotic studies only were 3320±6040, 5720±7640, and 530±430 μg/L, respectively. Interpretation of results for anomalies from specific studies suggests the importance of experimental design, use of laboratory versus natural surface water, biological complexity of the test system, and physical test system design as relevant factors for consideration. The specific results of the new model ecosystem study presented in this article can be well defended on the basis of a robust experimental and physical design and because the system contained a diverse and sensitive aquatic community. A low or no uncertainty factor could be applied to the result.