Comparison of the toxicity of dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide to freshwater plants: new information on toxicity and tolerance

Organic solvents dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are used worldwide in various fields due to their properties. The toxicity of two types of organic solvents (DMF and DMSO) for three species of freshwater macrophytes Ceratophyllum demersum, Elodea canadensis, Potamogeton natans was assessed. The concentrations of the tested chemicals of 1.7 (17 mg/L), 5 (50 mg/L), and 10 (100 mg/L) MAC (maximum permissible concentration) were created in the microcosms. Incubation lasted 14 days. Incubation was at a water temperature of 3.8-13.2°C. The macrophyte C. demersum turned out to be relatively more sensitive to the effects of DMF and DMSO (death at 100 mg/L DMF and DMSO), which can be used for bioindication purposes under certain conditions. Concentrations of 17 mg/L (1.7 MAC) and 50 mg/L (5 MAC) of DMF and DMSO had no effect on the aquatic organisms studied in this work. The solvents had no noticeable toxic effect on E. canadensis, so it can be considered for phytoremediation. A recommendation was made to establish a PNEC (predicted no-effect concentration) for freshwater organisms in the DMF safety data sheet. Based on the data obtained, a PNEC of 17 mg/L can be recommended for freshwater higher aquatic plants. The obtained data are necessary for the development of phytotechnologies for water purification and the certification of these substances.

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