Application of a microbiotests battery for complete toxicity assessment of rivers

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2008 Nov;71(3):830-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2008.02.023. Epub 2008 Apr 11.

Abstract

Acute hazard classification based on selected microbiotests was proposed to assess and compare the toxicity of rivers including surface-water, sediment and soil from floodplains. No direct relationship between the classification of pollution for surface-water based on physical-chemical parameters and proposed acute hazard classification based on organisms' sensitivity was observed. The quality of water according to hazard classification was better than in the mandatory classification of pollution, with the domination of Class II (slight acute hazard). The samples of sediment and soil were more toxic and represented Class II or Class III (acute hazard). The results indicated a need to complete the mandatory monitoring of surface-water in rivers with biological monitoring with toxicity assessment of rivers including water, sediment and soil from floodplains based on acute hazard classification. This integral approach enables a complete evaluation of the toxicity of aquatic life together with an estimation of negative changes in river systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aliivibrio fischeri / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Aquatic Organisms / drug effects
  • Crustacea / drug effects
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Food Chain
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry
  • Hazardous Substances / toxicity
  • Microalgae / drug effects
  • Plants / drug effects
  • Rivers / chemistry*
  • Rotifera / drug effects
  • Soil Pollutants / toxicity
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity*

Substances

  • Hazardous Substances
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical