Analysis of burrowing ability as a sublethal endpoint in a marine sediment bioassay with Corophium volutator (Pallas)

Abstract

Purpose Acute whole-sediment bioassay with the estuarine and marine amphipod Corophium volutator (Pallas) is widely used to assess toxicity of sediments. According to the guidelines DIN EN ISO 16712, mortality is the determined toxic endpoint. Additionally, the reburrowing ability of the surviving organisms of this acute toxicity test in fresh uncontaminated sediment is suggested as the sublethal endpoint, but insufficient information (e.g., exact measurement protocols) on this endpoint is provided, thus confounding factors and the interpretation of the results. The aim of this study was to provide information on burrowing activity as a sublethal endpoint.