Biological methods for determining toxicity of contaminated freshwater sediments to invertebrates

Abstract

Abstract Methods are presented for using Daphnia magna, Hyalella azteca, Gammarus lacustris, Chironomus tentans and Hexagenia limbata to screen freshwater sediments for acute and chronic toxicity, bioaccumulation potential and in situ toxicity. The 48-h Daphnia tests are recommended as inexpensive, uncomplicated and sensitive acute methods. Hyalella and Chironomus are the recommended benthic test organisms, as they are easy to rear and test, they remain in intimate contact with the sediment and they exhibit high control survival. Verification studies (published elsewhere) evaluating the recommended methods and organisms are briefly summarized.