The influence of ultra-violet light, UV_A, on the acute toxicity of four explosives, ADN, FOX-12, CL20 and FOZ-7, in the water flea Ceriodaphnia dubia

Most explosives that are used today were developed during a time when environmental impacts were not considered. Today great efforts are put into the development of new explosives less hazardous to the environment. In this paper we present results from investigations of the influence of UV-A on the acute toxicity of four new explosives, FOX-7, CL20, FOX-12 and ADN in the water flea Ceriodaphnia dubia. The highest used concentration (83 mg/l) of FOX-7 was not acute toxic on its own or in combination with UV-A. The 48h EC50 values for CL-20, FOX-12 and ADN were 6.4, 61 and 463 mg/l, respectively. In combination with UV-A the toxicity was significantly enhanced for these three explosives. The influence of UV-A radiation on the effect-related properties of the explosives is of significant importance when assessing the impact that any chemicals may have on the biota.