Toxicity measurements in concentrated water samples - Rivm
Toxicity measurements in concentrated water samples - Rivm
Toxicity measurements in concentrated water samples - Rivm
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Abstract<br />
<strong>Toxicity</strong> <strong>measurements</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>concentrated</strong> <strong>water</strong> <strong>samples</strong><br />
Evaluation and validation<br />
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, together with the Centre of Water<br />
Management (formerly called Institute for Inland Water Management and Waste Water Treatment),<br />
developed a method to measure the effects of toxic substances <strong>in</strong> surface <strong>water</strong>. This method can be<br />
used to f<strong>in</strong>d out if, when ecological targets follow<strong>in</strong>g from the European Water Framework Directive<br />
are not met, this is caused by toxic substances. The method can also be used to identify sources of toxic<br />
substances. Traditionally, ma<strong>in</strong>ly chemical techniques are applied for these purposes, but the<br />
disadvantage is that they do not cover the large amounts of chemicals potentially present <strong>in</strong> surface<br />
<strong>water</strong>s.<br />
The method uses bioassays. For this purpose, the response of five species <strong>in</strong> the <strong>water</strong> under<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestigation is studied. If a response is found, the substances caus<strong>in</strong>g this can be identified (if desired).<br />
The method enables to <strong>in</strong>vestigate the comb<strong>in</strong>ed effects of substances (synergistic or antagonistic).<br />
Another advantage can be achieved by sample pre-treatment with a res<strong>in</strong>, allow<strong>in</strong>g to concentrate the<br />
toxic substances. This way acute tests can be used <strong>in</strong>stead of chronic test (which are more expensive)<br />
even if no acute effects can be found <strong>in</strong> the orig<strong>in</strong>al (not <strong>concentrated</strong>) sample. In addition, natural<br />
factors that <strong>in</strong>fluence the toxicity of surface <strong>water</strong> do not disturb the method after this pre-treatment.<br />
Unfortunately, the toxicity of metals can not be <strong>in</strong>vestigated with this method.<br />
Key words:<br />
bioassays, toxicity, extraction, sample treatment, validation, toxic pressure<br />
RIVM Report 607013010 3