What is meant by the term 96-hr LC50?

The term 96-hr LC50 refers to a specific toxicity measurement used in environmental science and pesticide evaluation. It indicates the concentration of a substance, such as a herbicide, that is lethal to 50% of a defined population of test organisms over a 96-hour exposure period. This value is critical in assessing the potential ecological impact of pesticides on aquatic life. The LC50 value helps determine how dangerous a chemical is when introduced into the environment and assists in establishing safety guidelines for its use.

Understanding the 96-hr LC50 is essential for making informed decisions about pesticide application, particularly in aquatic environments, ensuring that the impact on non-target organisms is minimized and that the application is both effective and responsible. This concept directly relates to environmental safety assessments and allows for the comparison of the toxicities of different substances.