Environmental hazard assessment: A laboratory approach to reality?

Abstract

The hazard of organic compounds discharged into the aquatic environment is generally based on their persistence, their toxicity to aquatic biota, and their potential for bioconcentration. In this survey we present a laboratory program that attempts to provide the basis for an advanced hazard assessment for organic compounds that integrates microbiological, chemical, and toxicological investigations. The aim was to develop a broad strategy that could be widely applied to organic xenobiotics, and chlorophenolic compounds were chosen as candidates for illustration. Emphasis is placed on the potentially adverse effects of transformation products, and on the importance of the sediment phase in mediating these reactions rather than serving merely as a sink. The conclusions have been validated by selected examination of field samples. It is suggested that, with minor modifications, the principles could be adapted to the terrestrial environment and incorporated into bioremediation programs.