The first environmental assessment of hexa(methoxymethyl)melamine and co-occurring cyclic amines in Australian waterways

Abstract

Hexa(methoxymethyl)melamine (HMMM) is commonly used as a cross-linking agent in coatings and as a vulcaniser in tyre production to increase the durability of tyres. Early reports of elevated aquatic concentrations of HMMM and a range of co-occurring cyclic amines have been linked to toxicity and mortality events of aquatic organisms. There are currently only few studies reporting environmental concentrations of HMMM and the co-occurring cyclic amines, and this study reports the first environmental assessment in Australian surface waters. Archive passive water samples from 40 rivers, creeks and lakes in South East Queensland, Australia, and covering five years of biannual sampling, were analysed to determine spatial and temporal trends. Concentrations of HMMM and cyclic amines in Australian surface waters (<5-46 and <MDL-280 ng/L respectively) were towards the low end of concentrations reported in surface water in North America/Europe. While previous studies have indicated that HMMM can be used as an indicator chemical of tyre wear particle inputs from stormwater runoff to a water system, the variable spatial and temporal trends at these sites indicates there are a range of different sources, and more research is needed into these chemicals to understand their occurrence in the environment.

Keywords: Cyclic amines; Hexa(methoxymethyl)melamine; Surface water; Temporal trends; Vulcanising agents.