A sediment bioassay using the tubificid oligochaete worm <i>Tubifex tubifex</i>

Abstract

Abstract A new technique using the tubificid oligochaete Tubifex tubifex as a standard sediment bioassay is described. The various factors affecting quality assurance and control have been examined, such as the appropriate number of replicates; the sensitivity, discriminatory power, and repeatability of the test; and the effects of temperature, animal size, organic content, density, and duration on the test. The proposed bioassay is simple and straightforward and can be done with readily available and inexpensive equipment. It utilizes reproduction, the most ecologically relevant and sensitive life stage, as an end point and has been shown in the laboratory to be both repeatable and discriminatory. The technique can be recommended for further investigation in field trials and for consideration as part of a suite of assays for use in sediment assessment.