Environmental Profiles of Chemical Flame-Retardant Alternatives for

Fish Metabolism:
Conclusion: The metabolism rate in fish has not been adequately characterized, and the
metabolites have not been adequately identified.
Basis for Conclusion: None of the studies summarized here identifies any metabolites. All of
the studies were designed to monitor the levels of TPP (as either the natural isotope or 14 C
labeled) in fish to document the rates of uptake and elimination. Although these studies provide
information about the rate of elimination of TPP and/or its carbon-containing metabolites from
fish, none of these studies adequately describe how TPP is metabolized and what products are
formed.
Species Rate Comment References
Rainbow trout 98-99% eliminated in 9 days
Rate constant = 0.0179/hour
Slower elimination after 9 days
Rate constant = 0.00245/hour
Muir et al., 1980
Rainbow trout Elimination half-life is 0.54 days Mayer et al, 1981
Killifish Elimination half-life 1-2 hours Sasaki et al., 1982
Killifish Apparent metabolism is much
faster in killifish than in goldfish.
Goldfish Apparent metabolism is much
slower than in killifish.
Degradation and Transport
Photolysis in the Atmosphere: No data
Concentration of TPP in
water decreased in the
presence of fish. 0%
applied TPP remains in
the water after ~72 hours.
Control (no fish) has no
change in TPP
concentration.
60-65% applied TPP
remains in the water after
100 hours in presence of
goldfish.
Sasaki et al., 1981
Sasaki et al., 1981
Photolysis in water:
Conclusion: The available studies do not adequately describe the photolysis behavior of TPP in
water under normal environmental conditions. However, this endpoint appears to be adequately
characterized.
Basis for Conclusion: Since triphenyl phosphate does not absorb light at wavelengths above 290
nm, direct photolysis in sunlight is not expected. Three published photolysis studies were
located. Similar rate constants and half-lives are reported. For two of these studies, the light
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