Toxicity tests provide an integrated measure of exposure to multiple chemicals, as they evaluate the combined effect of all contaminants present in the sample, as well as the influence of environmental factors that alter contaminant bioavailability.
SCCWRP researchers evaluated seven toxicity test methods to identify those best suited for use in a statewide monitoring program:
The evaluation results are described in a technical report. Three test methods were identified by SCCWRP researchers that gave the best overall combination of technical feasibility and relatively high performance. Use of multiple toxicity tests is recommended, as no individual test method is able to provide a comprehensive and sensitive measure of sediment toxicity.
For more information on this topic, please contact Steve Bay at steveb@sccwrp.org
