Environmental properties of long chain alcohols. Part 1: Physicochemical, environmental fate and acute aquatic toxicity properties

This paper summarises the physicochemical, biodegradation and acute aquatic ecotoxicity properties of long chain aliphatic alcohols. Properties of pure compounds are shown to follow somewhat predictable trends, which are amenable to estimation by quantitative structure–activity relationships ((Q)SARs). This allows predictions of data relating to human and environmental safety profiles and patterns. These alcohols have been shown to be rapidly degradable under standard conditions up to C 18. Furthermore, evidence suggests that longer chain lengths are also rapidly biodegradable. While log K ow values suggest possible bioaccumulation potential, available data suggest that these substances are not as bioaccumulative as estimations would predict. For acute aquatic toxicity, solubility limits the possibility of effects being appropriately observed and become increasingly challenging above C 12. Further, a model has been developed for multi-component mixtures which give an excellent account of aquatic ecotoxicity allowing for the prediction of acute effects of un-tested mixtures.