Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Biodegradation and Ecotoxicity of HFCs and HCFCs

  • Published:
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are used or developed as substitutes for fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons. Based on the results of closed-bottle tests, the biodegradation of HFC-32, HCFC-123, HCFC-124, HFC-125, HFC-134a, HCFC-141b, HCFC-225ca, and HCFC-225cb was less than 60% after 28 days and therefore these compounds are considered not readily biodegradable. Standard acute toxicity tests with HCFC-123, HCFC-141b, and HCFC-225ca using algae, water fleas, and fish revealed EC50 values in the range of 17–126 mg/L. EC50 values of HFC-134a ranged between 450–980 mg/L. Fish studies with HCFC-141b and HCFC-225ca revealed bioaccumulation factors of <3 and 15–64, respectively. A study with plants revealed no effect of HCFC-141b on seed germination and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum), radish (Raphanus sativus), and cress (Lepidium sativum). In conclusion, HFCs and HCFCs are not very toxic to aquatic organisms and terrestrial plants. No evidence for any aerobic biodegradation for most of the HFCs and HCFCs was found.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Solvay S.A., DCT/ES-Toxicology, Rue de Ransbeek 310, B-1120 Brussels, Belgium , , , , , , BE

    A. G. Berends & C. G. de Rooij

  2. Asahi Glass Co. Ltd., Functional Products R&D Center, 1150 Hazawa Kanagawaku, Yokohama 221, Japan , , , , , , JP

    S. Shin-ya

  3. Zeneca Limited, Brixham Environmental Laboratory, Freshwater Quarry, Brixham, Devon TQ5 8BA, United Kingdom , , , , , , GB

    R. S. Thompson

Authors
  1. A. G. Berends
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. C. G. de Rooij
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. S. Shin-ya
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. R. S. Thompson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Received: 18 May 1998/Accepted: 30 September 1998

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Berends, A., de Rooij, C., Shin-ya, S. et al. Biodegradation and Ecotoxicity of HFCs and HCFCs. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 36, 146–151 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002449900454

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002449900454

Keywords

Search

Navigation