Biotesting of aqueous solutions of ammonium polyphosphate using a complex of test organisms

Introduction. Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) is widely used as a fire retardant, fertilizer, food additive and emulsifier, so it is relevant to study its ecotoxicity in relation to aquatic and soil organisms.

Material and methods. The paper presents the results of assessing the toxic effect of aqueous solutions of APP in concentrations of 3.5, 17.5 and 35 mg/l, corresponding to 1, 5 and 10 the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) in water for domestic and drinking water use, using a complex of test organisms.

Results. Species differences in the effects of aqueous solutions of APP on test organisms and dose-dependent effects were established. An aqueous solution with a concentration of 3.5 mg/l APP had no effect on the development of the green algae Chlorella vulgaris Beijer and on the viability of the branchial crustaceans Daphnia magna Straus. At the same time, dose-dependent inhibition (by 57.6 and 69.3%) of C. vulgaris Beijer colony growth was observed with an increase in the concentration of APP in aqueous solutions to 17.5 and 35 mg/l and a death of D. magna Straus (53.3% after 72 h) at the maximum tested concentration. The toxic effect of aqueous solutions containing APP in all tested concentrations on the Lemna minor L. appeared after 7 days of exposure in the form of a decrease in the number of plants and the chlorophyll content in the leaves, and an increase in the number of roots and leaves.

Limitations. The use of these methods is possible only in a specially equipped laboratory with qualified personnel.

Conclusion. The data on the toxicity of APP have been expanded. The toxic effect of its solutions on the water test organisms C. vulgaris Beijer, D. magna Straus and L. minor L. and the absence of toxic effects on the soil test microorganism Dietzia maris AM3 have been shown.

Compliance with ethical standards: Animal (Daphnia magna Straus) protocols were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Scientific Medical Center of Saratov State University (protocol No. 12 dated December 23, 2024).

Authors’ contribution:
Demysheva A.D. – conducting experimental studies, writing the text;
Savenkova M.S., Kosheleva I.S. – conducting experimental studies;
Gusev Yu.S. – design of the study, processing and discussion of the results;
Pleshakova E.V. – discussion of the results, writing and editing the text.
All co-authors – approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Conflict of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: January 14, 2025 / Revised: March 26, 2025 / Accepted: July 14, 2025 / Published: August 29, 2025

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