A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive ...

..:::::::::: nonylphenols
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24 Nonylphenols
� Nonylphenol is a mixture of isomeric
monoalkyl phenols, the technical grade is a mixture
of 90% 4-nonylphenol and 10% 2nonylphenol.
� Nonylphenol is found in the environment primarily
as a biodegradation product of nonylphenol
ethoxylates, and is a recognised endocrine
disruptor.
� Nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates
should be screened in Norwegian environment.
Production and use
In Norway, main users have been Hydro
Polymers in Porsgrunn (paste PVC) Grenland,
Telemark County, Jotun in Sandefjord, Vestfold
County (additives in paint) and some producers
of car wash detergents. These sources have all
been phased out. Nonylphenol and nonylphenol
ethoxylates can be found in some imported
products such as paint, car-wash detergents and
plastic. The main source in 2002 was "car related
products" and detergents. Consumption in
2002 was set to 58 kilos. Imports and use are
regulated (mainly banned) since 2002, and there
is a national target for phasing out by 2005.
Nonylphenols are also used as spermicide
(nonoxynol-9) on condoms and contraceptive
creams.
Emissions, discharges,
distribution and hot-spots
Nonylphenols are mainly discharged to waste
water main sources have been garages and carwashing
machines, but also from households.
Nonylphenol ethoxylates are found in water
and sludge from municipal waste water treatment
plants. A survey by Aquateam from 1998
showed nonylphenol (+ ethoxylates) in high
concentrations in sludge samples from 8 sewage
treatment plants in Norway. Concentrations
were 22 - 650 mg /kilo dry matter.
There are few data on environmental distribution.
SFT has calculated that emissions of
nonylphenols have dropped from 170 tonnes in
1991 to 18 tons in 2002; the sharpest drop was
from 2001 to 2002. Discharges to water from
products (only significant source) have dropped
from appr. 184 tons to 15 tons in 2002 according
to SFT. It is assumed that the chemicals are
discharged via (municipal) waste water.
A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive
TA-2140/2005
FACTS
Cas no.: 25154-52-3
Synonyms: nonylfenol, nonyl, NP, nonoxynol-9
Properties: Pale-yellow, viscous liquid. (C9)
Toxic effects: Nonylphenols are slightly toxic when
swallowed. They are severely irritating to skin and
eyes. Acute LD50 rat oral is 1 600 mg/kg.
Nonylphenols are toxic to aquatic organisms; LC50
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is 0,56-0,92
mg/l/96 h (ClassLab/HSDB). Nonylphenols are also
teratogenic, and they are on the EU list of endocrine
disruptors.
Log Kow: 4,2 - 4,7
Persistence: Half-life in air is estimated to 7,5 hours
(hydroxyl radicals), while half life in water is 17 days
(volatilization). Adsorption to suspended solids and
sediments will limit volatilization; estimated volatilization
half-life from a model pond is greater than 25
years if adsorption is considered. Nonylphenols
bioaccumulate in aquatic life forms.
Water solubility: 3-11 mg/l (pH dependent).
Molecular formula: C 15 -H 24 -O
Metabolites: The corresponding NP-glucaronide and
hydroxy conjungates.
Alkylphenols (including nonylphenol) are
released through discharges of "produced
water" from offshore oil producing installations.
Concentrations are low, but total sum is
large due to the large amount of water emitted.
SFT has calculated that 23,6 tons alkylphenols
(alkylchain of C4 and upwards) was discharged
in 1998. According to Institute for Marine
Research the discharges of nonylphenol and
octylphenol from oil and gas production in the
Norwegian sector limited, and discharges of
shorter chain alkylphenols is the norm.
Monitoring
Nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates were
investigated in a Norwegian study in 1997.
Marine sediment
The study in 1997 has shown low concentrations
of nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates
in several fjords in Akershus, Østfold,
Telemark and Hordaland. Concentrations were