Application of toxicity identification procedures to the echinoderm fertilization assay to identify toxicity in a municipal effluent
- AQUA-Science, Davis, CA (United States)
- 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, Vol. 14, Issue 12; Other Information: PBD: Dec 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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