Sensitivity and precision of whole effluent toxicity (WET) tests
- Environmental Protection Agency, San Francisco, CA (United States)
- Environmental Protection Agency, Newport, OR (United States)
- Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
The US Environmental Protection Agency`s test method manuals recommend reference toxicant test be performed to determine test sensitivity and precision within a test and among tests over time. The levels of intra and interlaboratory precision with two reference toxicants (zinc and copper) were examined with six marine test species (Macrocystis pyrifera, Haliotis rufescens, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, Dendraster excentricus, Mytilus spp., and Menidia beryllina) and with two freshwater test species (Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pimephales promelas). Data from the EPA`s Reference Toxicant Database were used in the analysis. Data was used if the tests met the specified test acceptability criteria. The test sensitivity was examined by calculation of the minimum significant difference (e.g. MSD) and will be discussed. Results were compared to the national final chronic value (FCV) for copper and zinc. Greater than 99% of the EC25 values were above the FCV for copper with Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, Dendraster excentricus and Macrocystis pyrifera. However, greater than 99% of the EC25 values were below the FCV for zinc with Haliotis rufescens.
- OSTI ID:
- 218462
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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