SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1983
STP33498S

A Toxicity Test Using Life Stages of (Rhodophyta)

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A static-renewal, 11- to 14-day toxicity test has been developed using the life cycle of the marine red alga Champia parvula (C. Ag.) Harv. It measures the vegetative growth, formation of tetrasporangia (meiosis), and formation of cystocarps (sexual fusion). The procedure has been tested with silver, copper, cadmium, lead, and cyanide. The maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) ranges were calculated for vegetative growth of females and tetrasporophytes and for production of tetrasporangia based on statistically significant differences. The MATCs were determined for sexual reproduction using the presence or absence of cystocarps to measure significance; this yielded MATC values similar to those determined by the other parameters. However, sexual reproduction was the most sensitive of the four end points examined because it dealth with absolute absence rather than statistical differences. The toxicity test with C. parvula is a relatively fast, simple, and inexpensive procedure for testing the effects of toxicants on growth and reproduction in macroalgae. All phases of the life cycle can be maintained in the laboratory (available year round) and can be exposed simultaneously. The results from tests with heavy metals and cyanide indicate that this procedure is comparable to the most sensitive marine animal chronic tests.

Author Information

Steele, RL
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory, Narragansett, RI
Thursby, GB
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory, Narragansett, RI
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Details
Developed by Committee: E47
Pages: 73–89
DOI: 10.1520/STP33498S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4868-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0255-2