ACUTE TOXICITY OF 2,4,5-TRICHLOROPHENOL TO FRESHWATER INVERTEBRATES

Abstract

The primary source of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (2,4,5-TCP) contamination in the environment is industrial effluents. The compound itself is used as a germicide and also as a reagent in the synthesis of certain herbicides, disinfectants, and insecticides. In addition, 2,4,5-TCP is also formed as a by-product of the chlorination processes used by paper mills, and thus is present in paper mill effluents. The purpose of this study is to determine and report the toxicities of 2,4,5-TCP to several freshwater organisms. The organisms used were an annelid (Lumbriculus variegatus (Muller)), a coelenterate (Hydra sp.), an. amphipod (Gammarus pseudolimnaeus), and a mayfly nymph (Leptophlebia sp.).