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In situ response of natural periphyton to an anionic surfactant and an environmental risk assessment for phytotoxic effects
Author(s) -
Lewis M.A.,
Pittinger C.A.,
Davidson D.H.,
Ritchie C.J.
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.5620121006
Subject(s) - periphyton , phytotoxicity , toxicity , algae , environmental chemistry , acute toxicity , effluent , chlorophyta , chemistry , environmental science , biology , environmental engineering , ecology , botany , organic chemistry
In situ toxicity tests were conducted to determine the toxicity of linear alkyl‐ (dodecyl‐) benzenesulfonate (LAS) on a natural periphyton community. Colonized periphyton were exposed to C 11 9 ‐LAS in 21‐d continuous‐flow toxicity studies conducted in the Little Miami River (Ohio) above and below a wastewater treatment plant outfall. The lowest measured first‐effect levels were 3.3 and 16.6 mg/L, respectively, in the two locations, based on reductions in structural and functional community characteristics. The presence of 20 to 30% effluent did not increase the toxicity of LAS. The field‐derived effect levels confirmed the low phytotoxicity observed in most previously conducted laboratory toxicity studies with cultured algae. In addition, the field‐derived effect levels exceeded measured environmental concentrations, which supports the environmental safety of LAS to periphyton.