EPA Assesment: Environmental Fate and Ecological Risk Assessment for the Reregistration of Antimycin A
Abstract
Publication: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted an ecological risk assessment of Antimycin A, a restricted-use piscicide used to manage fish populations in recreational waters, aquaculture, and habitat restoration efforts. Derived from a Streptomyces mold, Antimycin A is typically applied directly to water bodies at concentrations up to 25 µg/L to eliminate specific fish species. While it plays a crucial role in conserving threatened fish by removing invasive competitors, Antimycin A poses significant ecological concerns.
The compound is highly toxic to aquatic animals and birds in acute doses, and its effects on plants and chronic exposure impacts remain largely unknown due to limited data. It can persist in aquatic environments for several days to weeks, depending on water pH and temperature, and may travel beyond the intended treatment area if not deactivated. Although commonly neutralized with potassium permanganate in flowing waters, this step is not mandatory by current labeling.
The assessment underscores uncertainty about Antimycin A’s long-term environmental fate and its potential harm to non-target organisms, especially in static water systems. More data is needed to fully evaluate its ecological risks and guide responsible use practices that protect aquatic biodiversity and comply with federal environmental regulations.
