What does the term 96-hr LC50 refer to in aquatic pest control?

The term 96-hr LC50 refers to the lethal concentration of a substance—typically a pesticide or herbicide—in water that is statistically estimated to kill 50% of a test population of aquatic organisms within a 96-hour exposure period. This value is crucial for assessing the toxicity of a substance to aquatic life and is a standard measure used in risk assessment for aquatic ecosystems.

Understanding the 96-hour timeframe is important because it simulates a realistic duration that organisms might be exposed to a toxic substance in their natural environment, allowing for a better evaluation of its impact. The focus on the concentration that results in a 50% mortality rate provides researchers and pest control professionals with a quantifiable benchmark to compare different substances and their relative toxicity to various species. This information is critical for selecting safe and effective products for aquatic pest control while also protecting non-target organisms and the overall ecosystem.