Guidance Document On Control Of Toxicity Test Precision Using Reference Toxicants PDF Download

This report provides guidance and recommendations for selection of a reference toxicant, spiking procedures, and use of control sediments for assessing changes in sensitivity of test organisms to toxicants and measuring precision of both intra- and inter-laboratory spiked-sediment toxicity tests. Four potential reference toxicants (cadmium, copper, pentachlorophenate, and fluoranthene) were considered for selection since they were the only chemicals with published information regarding sediment spiking and use in sediment toxicity tests. The recommendations on the use of these toxicants in tests using either freshwater or marine sediment reflect the information currently available. Instructions are included for the selection of control sediments for spiking, selection and use of test organisms, acquisition and handling of chemicals, conducting reference toxicant tests, establishing and updating warning charts, record keeping, and data reporting. Key areas requiring further research are also identified. The appendices include a summary of current research on formulated sediments, a list of information typically provided in a material safety data sheet, and graphs showing the fate of copper and cadmium added to natural seawater.