Ref ID : 6853
Gary L. Phipps, Gerald T. Ankley, Duane A. Benott, and Vincent R. Mattson; Use of the Aquatic Oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus for Assessing the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-Associated Contaminants. Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry 12:269-279, 1993
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In this paper we describe test methods utilizing the aquatic oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus to assess the acute and chronic toxicity and the presence of bioaccumulatable compounds in contaminated sediments. Lumbriculus variegatus was chosen as a test species because (a) it represents an ecologically relevant component of freshwater ecosystems (i.e., oligochaetes); (b) it is suitale for long-term testing and evaluation of chronic toxicity end points (e.g., growth, reproduction); (c) it is exposed via all important routes of concern, including ingestion of contaminated particles; and (d) it has sufficient biomass to assess bioaccumulation of contaminants. Also, Lumbriculus variegatus is easily cultured and handled. Described herein are culturing procedures and test protocols (e.g., test length, sample size, feeding, etc.) for Lumbriculus variegatus, as well as two examples of the types of experimental data generated when using the oligochaete in tests with contaminated sediments.