Experiences with Single-Species Tests for Acute Toxic Effects on Freshwater Animals

摘要

Acute toxicity data developed over 20 years at one laboratory (Columbia National Fisheries Research Laboratory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Columbia, Missouri) were analyzed by various statistical approaches for taxonomic comparisons and to assess the degree to which various factors affected toxicity. The data base consisted of 4902 tests with 410 chemicals and 66 species of freshwater animals. Insects were the most sensitive group, followed by crustaceans, fishes, and amphibians. Of the factors affecting toxicity, the highest toxicity values were within 5 times or less the lowest values 80% or more of the time; this generalization included pH and temperature, evaluated on the basis of a 1.0 pH unit or 10 C change. Generalizations and predictions could be made for comparative toxicity and factors affecting toxicity 80% or more of the time.