Stress to indicator species as assessment endpoints

Abstract

The use of indicator species as assessment endpoints for ecological risk assessment provides a basis for a scientifically valid extrapolation from measurements to those impacts which are of primary importance to environmental decision makers and managers. Assessment endpoints should be chosen on the basis of ecological significance, economic importance, or regulatory significance. Indicator species, to be useful as assessment endpoints, must perform an ecologically significant function as well as being sensitive to chemical induced stresses to the ecosystem. In this paper, we will examine how indicator species can be utilized as assessment endpoints within an integrated logical framework for ecological risk assessment.