Acute toxicity assay using mysid as an alternative test organism in the assessment of the aqueous fraction of sediment

Abstract

The evaluation of sediment quality through biological testing of the aqueous fraction can be applied in dredging situations and is associated with a small number of confounding factors. The use of test organisms that are relatively resistant to contaminants is recommended when working with complex mixtures such as sediments. In this study, the sensitivity of the mysid Mysidopsis juniae to ammonia (NH₃) and metals was investigated in acute toxicity laboratory tests and the results were compared to those obtained in the traditional test with sea urchin embryos and larvae. The ability of the toxicity identification and evaluation (TIE) technique, with the use of EDTA and sodium thiosulfate, to indicate the factors responsible for adverse effects was determined. The results indicate that mysids are almost 5 times more resistant than the sea urchin to ammonia (NH₃), more sensitive to Cd²⁺ and Ni²⁺ and more resistant to Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺. With the TIE technique and with the use of EDTA as a complexing agent, a greater resolution was observed in the diagnosis of the presence of the metals Cd²⁺ and Ni²⁺, which could be applied to the aqueous fraction of the sediment.

Keywords: Bioavailability; Complexation; Marine ecotoxicology; Mysidopsis juniae; Seawater; Toxicity.