SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1986
STP29047S

Methodology for Assessing the Acute Toxicity of Chemicals Sorbed to Sediments: Testing the Equilibrium Partitioning Theory

Source

A method was developed to assess the acute toxicity of neutral hydrophobic organic compounds sorbed on sediments to the midge, Chironomus tentans and the daphnid Daphnia magna. Three soils with different organic carbon content were spiked with 14C labeled kepone, placed in 250 mL clear polycarbonate centrifuge bottles, mixed with dilution water at a 4:1 water to soil ratio, shaken for 24 h, centrifuged, and tested. Midges and daphnids (five each) were tested together in the same bottles. The 48-h LC50 values were calculated for each species. The LC50 values were calculated on the basis of the concentration of kepone on the sediment, the column water, and the sediment interstitial water.

The data indicate that the route of exposure was the water and not the sediments per se. Midges were not found to have increased sensitivity in the presence of the sediment. The data support sediment-water equilibrium partitioning theory and the carbon normalization theory for neutral organic chemical sorbed to soils or sediments. The advantages of this test are that it is rapid, uses disposable test contaniers, employs two species simultaneously, incorporates sediment as part of the test system, is performed under steady-state conditions between sediment and water for the chemical(s) of interest, and is based upon sorption/desorption theory for neutral organic chemicals. We believe additional testing with other chemical classes will demonstrate the broad utility of this method as an acute screening test for naturally contaminated sediments as well as laboratory spiked sediments.

Author Information

Ziegenfuss, PS
Environmental Sciences Center, St. Louis, MO
Renaudette, WJ
Environmental Sciences Center, St. Louis, MO
Adams, WJ
Environmental Sciences Center, St. Louis, MO
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: E47
Pages: 479–493
DOI: 10.1520/STP29047S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4986-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0489-1