Research Product

This manual describes methods for laboratory toxicity testing with marine unicellular algae. It consists of six parts: Part I describes principles of aquatic toxicity testing with algae. It describes algal growth curves and factors that influence algal growth including light, temperature, composition of culture medium, and pH. Methods for maintenance of algal cultures, choice of species for testing, estimation of population density, detection of living and dead cells, expression of toxicant effect, and bioaccumulation are discussed. Part II defines terms related to algal toxicity testing, describes equipment needed for algal toxicity tests, and gives detailed methods for preparation of algal growth medium and estimation of population density by cell counts and spectroscopy. Part III describes the recommmended toxicity test with single substances. The test is conducted for 48 h, at which time population densities of control and treated cultures are measured and the median effect concentration and growth rates are calculated. Part IV gives methods for estimating effects of liquid complex wastes on growth of algae. Methods are described for analysis of whole waste, its organic and inorganic fractions, anion, cation, base/neutral, and acid subfractions, and particulate matter. Part V describes a method for estimation of bioaccumulation of single substances by algae in culture. Part VI gives a method for distinguishing living and dead algal cells. Each of the above tests addresses a different aspect of hazard evaluation of single substances or mixed waste with regard to inhibition or stimulation of algal population growth, survival, and possible introduction of toxic substances into food chains. When population growth tests are combined with studies on bioaccumulation and algicidal or algistatic properties of a toxicant, an overview of important effects is obtained, and several relevant effects criteria provide a base for regulation of single substances and mixtures of substances.