SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1989
STP16829S

The Requirements for a Balanced Medium in Toxicological Experiments Using with Special Reference to Calcium Carbonate

Source

A number of factors produce response differences in Mysidopsis bahia in toxicological experiments. In the experimental design of tests with M. bahia, the organism's requirements for an external source of certain ions should be considered because the absence or imbalance of these substances can affect their physiological requirements and, therefore, confound the response of M. bahia when tested against a toxicant. The purpose of this paper is to show the effects of two of these factors, buffering and ionic balance, and their interactions in culture and toxicity tests.

Also, because insufficient information is available about the response of M. bahia to calcium carbonate concentration, this was specifically studied. Mineral load can vary when performing toxicity tests, especially whole effluent tests, and may affect exoskeleton chemistry during ecdysis. Calcium, used as calcium carbonate in cuticle formation by all crustaceans including M. bahia, is derived directly from the external medium. Because of this, an important environmental factor to consider is the concentration of bicarbonate and how it may influence the uptake of calcium.

Author Information

Ward, SH
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Edison, NJ
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Details
Developed by Committee: E47
Pages: 402–412
DOI: 10.1520/STP16829S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5088-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1253-7