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Application of toxicity identification procedures to the echinoderm fertilization assay to identify toxicity in a municipal effluent

Journal Article · · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. AQUA-Science, Davis, CA (United States)
  2. Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, Martinez, CA (United States)

Toxicity was detected in a municipal effluent with the echinoderm fertilization assay. Dendraster excentricus appeared more sensitive to the effluent than did Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. A Phase 1 toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) was conducted using procedures adapted to the echinoderm fertilization bioassay. The Phase 1 TIE implicated cationic metals as the cause of toxicity, and follow-up investigations suggested that copper was the primary cation responsible. As part of the TIE, bioassays were conducted on ammonia and several cations. No-observable-effect concentrations for D. excentricus were > 13.4 {micro}g/L (Ag), > 9.4 {micro}g/L (Cd), 3.8 to 13.1 {micro}g/L (Cu), > 0.7 {micro}g/L (Hg), and 10 mg/L (N, as total ammonia). The data also suggested that interspecific differences in sensitivity to copper and ammonia exist between Dendraster excentricus and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
162962
Journal Information:
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 14; ISSN 0730-7268; ISSN ETOCDK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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