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Using a spiked sediment bioassay to establish a no-effect concentration for dioxin exposure to the amphipod, Ampelisca abdita

Journal Article · · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
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  1. ChemRisk--McLaren/Hart, Cleveland, OH (United States)

A recent study conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported a highly significant correlation between 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) concentrations and amphipod (Ampelisca abdita) mortality in sediment samples collected from the lower Passaic River and Newark Bay. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the potential effects of 2,3,7,8-TCDD on benthic invertebrates under controlled laboratory exposures. In this study, 10-d whole-sediment bioassays using the marine amphipod A. abdita were conducted on spiked sediment samples representing a range of 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations. No effects on survival or growth relative to controls were observed at any test concentration. The highest 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentration reported from the NOAA study was 0.62 {micro}g/kg. Therefore, the lack of 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxicity in this study indicates that the mortality observed in the NOAA study was probably due to factors or chemicals other than 2,3,7,8-TCDD. This study demonstrates the utility of spiked sediment bioassays in evaluating cause and effect relationships between sediment contamination and benthic invertebrate mortality.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
675458
Journal Information:
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 17; ISSN 0730-7268; ISSN ETOCDK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English