Assessment of the impact of the emission of certain organochlorine compounds on the aquatic environment: Part I: Monochlorophenols and 2,4-dichlorophenol

The consequences of contamination of the aquatic environment by chlorophenols (2-chlorophenol, 3-chlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol), have been evaluated by extensive review of the available scientific data. The chlorophenols generally exert moderate toxic effects to mammalian and aquatic life, although toxicity to fish upon long-term exposure may be considerable, as has been found for 2,4-dichlorophenol. Persistence is low when adapted microflora is present, capable of biodegrading these compounds, but may become moderate to high depending on the environmental conditions. This is most pronounced for 3-chlorophenol. Bioaccumulation is expected to be low. A striking feature of these chlorophenols is their strong organoleptic effect.