SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1983
STP33514S

Do Organisms in Laboratory Toxicity Tests Respond Like Organisms in Nature?

Source

Laboratory toxicity test results predict the responses of natural organisms with varying degrees of accuracy. The selection of test species and dilution water can greatly influence the applicability of the data in different situations. Other factors, such as nutrition, acclimation, and genetic selection, may influence the accuracy of predictions based on laboratory data. The relative importance of factors influencing the responses of organisms in the laboratory and in the field depends on whether the goal of the laboratory tests is to determine relative toxicity, to estimate safe levels, or to predict actual effects. When appropriate test parameters are chosen, the response of laboratory organisms is a reasonable index of the response of naturally occurring organisms.

Author Information

Chapman, GA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR
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: 315–327
DOI: 10.1520/STP33514S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4868-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0255-2