Short‐Term Guideline Values for Chlorine in Freshwaters

• Published in: Environmental toxicology and chemistry 2021-05, Vol.40 (5), p.1341-1352
• Main Authors: Batley, Graeme E., Adams, Merrin S., Simpson, Stuart L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chlorine; Continuous flow; Dechlorination; Decomposition; Drinking water; Ecotoxicity; Fresh water; Geographical distribution; Protected species; Receiving waters; Residual chlorine; Short‐term guideline value; Total residual chlorine; Toxicity testing
• ISSN: 0730-7268; 1552-8618
• DOI: 10.1002/etc.4984

The current Australian and New Zealand default guideline value of 3 µg Cl/L for total residual chlorine in freshwaters is largely based on acute data converted to chronic data using a default acute to chronic ratio of 10, without consideration of chlorine decomposition. Given the rapid decomposition of chlorine, initially as hypochlorite and then as chloramine, it is appropriate to consider a guideline value based on short‐term (acute) toxicity rather than one based on longer‐term chronic data, as has been recommended for chlorine in marine waters. The literature on the fate of chlorine in drinking water discharged to freshwaters and on the ecotoxicity of total residual chlorine has been reviewed, and on the basis of this, revised default guideline values were derived for both hypochlorite and chloramine in freshwater using a species sensitivity distribution of toxicity data. The values for 95% species protection were 7 and 9 µg Cl/L as total residual chlorine, respectively. The former would apply to any total residual chlorine‐containing effluent, but in the case of drinking water where dechlorination has been undertaken, the chloramine‐based default guideline value is likely to be more appropriate. Both are likely to be conservative because they were largely based on toxicity testing under continuous flow‐through conditions. They will apply at the edge of the mixing zone, and the variable receiving water concentration at this point might best be determined from a time‐weighted average total residual chlorine concentration. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1341–1352. © 2021 SETAC