Methods for Aquatic Toxicity Identification Evaluations: Phase 3 ToxicityConfirmation. Procedures for Samples Exhibiting Acute and Chronic Toxicity

摘要

The manual and its companion documents (EPA, 1991A; EPA, 1992; EPA, 1993A) areintended to provide guidance to aid dischargers in confirming the cause of toxicity in industrial and municipal effluents. This Phase III confirmation document provides greater detail and more insight into the procedures described in the acute Phase III confirmation document (EPA, 1989D). Procedures to confirm that all toxicants have been correctly identified are given and specific changes for methods applicable to chronic toxicity are included. Case examples are provided to illustrate some of the Phase III procedures. A difficult aspect of confirmation occurs when toxicants are not additive, and therefore the effects of effluent matrix affecting the toxicants are discussed.