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Use of the aquatic oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus for assessing the toxicity and bioaccumulation of sediment‐associated contaminants
Author(s) -
Phipps Gary L.,
Ankley Gerald T.,
Benoit Duane A.,
Mattson Vincent R.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620120210
Subject(s) - bioaccumulation , contamination , environmental chemistry , sediment , aquatic toxicology , oligochaeta (plant) , chronic toxicity , aquatic ecosystem , toxicity , biology , toxicology , ecology , chemistry , paleontology , organic chemistry
In this paper we describe test methods utilizing the aquatic oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus to assess the acute and chronic toxicity and the presence of bioaccumulatable compounds in contaminated sediments. Lumbriculus variegatus was chosen as a test species because (a) it represents an ecologically relevant component of freshwater ecosystems (i.e., oligochaetes); (b) it is suitable for long‐term testing and evaluation of chronic toxicity end points (e.g., growth, reproduction); (c) it is exposed via all important routes of concern, including ingestion of contaminated particles; and (d) it has sufficient biomass to assess bioaccumulation of contaminants. Also, Lumbriculus variegatus is easily cultured and handled. Described herein are culturing procedures and test protocols (e.g., test length, sample size, feeding, etc.) for Lumbriculus variegatus , as well as two examples of the types of experimental data generated when using the oligochaete in tests with contaminated sediments.