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TESTING STRATEGIES<br />

Earthworm acute toxicity test (EU Annex V C.8; OECD 207, 1984d; ISO 11268-1, December 1993)<br />

The test is designed to assess the effect of chemicals on the survival of the earthworms Eisenia<br />

spp. Adult worms are exposed to a range of concentrations of the test substance mixed into the<br />

soil. Mortality <strong>and</strong> effects on biomass are determined after 2 weeks exposure. Where possible,<br />

LC50 <strong>and</strong> EC50 values are determined. Eisenia spp. is considered to be representative of soil<br />

fauna <strong>and</strong> earthworm species. The organism was however selected more <strong>for</strong> pragmatic reasons<br />

(easily cultured in laboratory conditions) than <strong>for</strong> its sensitivity or it being representative of soil<br />

dwelling organisms.<br />

Insect larvae acute toxicity test (NF X 31-260 accepted as a new work item<br />

ISO/TC/90/SC4/WG2)<br />

Oxythyrea funesta is widely distributed in Europe. With a phytophage feeding habit, this<br />

organism plays an important role in determining the physical characteristics of soils (structure,<br />

texture, aeration,…). Survival of insect larvae (Oxythyrea funesta) exposed to contaminated soils<br />

is assessed in a test lasting 10 days. A LC50 is then determined by comparing survival in treated<br />

soils with that of the control.<br />

Earthworm reproduction test (ISO 11268-2, July 1998, draft OECD, 2000i)<br />

The effect of chemicals on the reproduction of adult compost worms (Eisenia fetida or E. <strong>and</strong>rei)<br />

is assessed over a period of 8 weeks. Adult worms are exposed to a range of concentrations of<br />

the test substance mixed into the compost. Mortality <strong>and</strong> growth effects are determined after<br />

4 weeks exposure. The adults are then removed <strong>and</strong> the number of offspring determined<br />

following a further 4 weeks exposure period. The NOEC is determined by comparing the<br />

reproductive output of the worms exposed to the test substance to that of the control.<br />

Inhibition of reproduction of Collembola (Folsomia c<strong>and</strong>ida) (ISO 11267, 1999)<br />

Collembola is an important group of arthropods in temperate soils. Several species have been<br />

used in toxicity experiments including Folsomia c<strong>and</strong>ida <strong>for</strong> which a st<strong>and</strong>ard reproduction test<br />

has been developed. A treated artificial soil is used as the exposure medium <strong>and</strong> a NOEC is<br />

determined.<br />

Enchytraeidae reproduction test (draft OECD 220, 2000h), ISO/CD 16387, 2001)<br />

Enchytraeids are soil dwelling organisms that colonise a wide range of soils. They are easy to<br />

h<strong>and</strong>le <strong>and</strong> breed in laboratory conditions <strong>and</strong> their generation time is shorter than that of the<br />

earthworms. The effect of chemicals on the reproduction of adult enchytraeid worms is assessed<br />

over a period of 6 weeks. The principle of the test is the same as <strong>for</strong> the earthworm reproduction<br />

test: adult worms are exposed to a range of concentrations of the test substance mixed into the<br />

soil. Mortality <strong>and</strong> morphological changes are determined after 3 weeks exposure. The adults are<br />

then removed <strong>and</strong> the number of offspring, hatched from the cocoons in the soil is counted after<br />

an additional 3 weeks exposure. The NOEC is determined by comparing the reproductive output<br />

of the worms exposed to the test substance to that of the control.<br />

Effects of pollutants on juvenile l<strong>and</strong> snails (Helix aspersa) (NF X 31255/1, Draft April 2001)<br />

Inhibition of growth of the snails is observed through food contamination (1) or soil contamination<br />

(2). The French st<strong>and</strong>ard protocol will be proposed within ISO as a new work item.<br />

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