Chapter 6 - Saltwater Toxicity Tests

Abstract

Aquatic toxicity testing is a key component of monitoring and assessment programs designed to investigate impacts of contaminants on marine and estuarine ecosystems. This chapter summarizes laboratory methods for assessing toxicity of marine and estuarine receiving waters, with an emphasis on standardized procedures used for regulatory purposes. General methods are described for fish, invertebrates, and marine algae. Use of these methods is discussed in terms of their application for assessing toxicity of transitional habitats, such as estuaries, as well as their use in nonpoint source pollution toxicity assessments, such as stormwater testing. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the utility of these methods for assessing impacts of emerging chemicals of concern. The final section describes future possibilities and probabilities for use of marine toxicity testing in ecotoxicology. This includes use of toxicity testing for assessing the impacts of climate change and associated ocean acidification.