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FUNCTIONAL BIOASSAYS UTILIZING ZOOPLANKTON: A COMPARISON
Citation:
McNaught, D. FUNCTIONAL BIOASSAYS UTILIZING ZOOPLANKTON: A COMPARISON. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-89/501.
Description:
Functional zooplankton bioassays based on ingestion, reproduction and respiration are described, with methods for a new ingestion bioassay included. ll bioassays are compared using three indices, including the variability of controls, the range of experimental responses, and a listing of contaminants causing inhibition/stimulation of response. he ingestion bioassay showed the greatest range of response, and was sensitive to pesticides, PCBs and heavy metals. t was also commonly characterized by a hormesis response. he reproduction bioassay showed the lowest variability, illustrated a reduced range of response, and was sensitive to nutrients and heavy metals. n one study, the respiration bioassay was sensitive only to PCBs.