Aquatic Toxicity Testing Using Arctic Species: Some Considerations

Abstract

Abstract There is increased interest in using Arctic species for aquatic toxicity testing. A limited number of test substances and Arctic species have been evaluated. There are some differences between Arctic and temperate aquatic species. Arctic aquatic species have lower metabolic rates. Therefore, they may accumulate contaminants more slowly compared to temperate species, but their relatively higher lipid content may result in a greater uptake of lipophilic contaminants. It has been suggested that Arctic aquatic species with their reduced total energy usage, may have less energy available for detoxification and depuration of contaminants. The early life stages of Arctic species have longer developmental times that may result in longer periods of increased sensitivity. Developmental stages rather than exposure periods need to be compared between temperate and Arctic species. Arctic species have longer acute response times but have similar ultimate responses compared with temperate species. Similar porti...