Use of the Amphipod Crustacean 'Hyalella Azteca' in Freshwater and Estuarine Sediment Toxicity Tests

摘要

Hyalella azteca (Saussure), which are currently used in toxicity tests with freshwater sediments, were tested to determine their suitability for tests with estuarine sediments. Reproduction was good after 24 d at and below 12.5 g/l (ppt) salinity in water only. EC50 values (50% reduction in young) were 10.5 and 10.4 g/l salinity. Survival was good in tests conducted with estuarine sediments collected from a range of freshwater to full seawater sites, using fresh water overlaying the sediments (200 ml sediment, 800 ml water). The results demonstrate that H. azteca can be used to test the toxicity of sediments from both freshwater and estuarine sites.