Publications Search Results

Aquatic Toxicology

• Aquatic Toxicity of Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent: A Review
  This report describes current knowledge, concerns, and monitoring techniques associated with the aquatic toxicity of effluents from pulp and paper mills. Literature on the following topics is critiqued: toxic constituents of mill effluents, receiving waters, and sediments; laboratory monitoring for toxicity; toxic effects of mill effluents within receiving waters; bioaccumulation and elimination of organic constituents in mill effluents; and bioassay tests for predicting the impact of whole mill effluents on the aquatic environment.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method - Sublethal Toxicity Tests to Assess Sediments Intended for Disposal at Sea
  This consolidated document presents two current sublethal toxicity test methods suitable for assessing sediments intended for disposal at sea. Part 1 of the document consists of the Biological Test Method: Toxicity Test Using Luminescent Bacteria (Photobacterium phosphoreum), also published separately as EPS 1/RM/24 (see page 13 of this catalogue). Part 2 consists of the Biological Test Method: Fertilization Assay Using Echinoids (Sea Urchins and Sand Dollars), also published separately as EPS 1/RM/27 (see page 12 of this catalogue).
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Acute Lethality Test Using Daphnia spp.
  This is the method recommended by Environment Canada for performing acute lethality toxicity tests using daphnids (Daphnia magna and/or D. pulex). Universal conditions and procedures are outlined for undertaking an acute lethality test using various samples of chemicals, effluents, elutriates, leachates, or receiving waters.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Acute Lethality Test Using Rainbow Trout
  Methods recommended by Environment Canada for performing acute lethality tests with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are described in this report. Universal conditions and procedures are outlined for undertaking an acute lethality test using a variety of materials. Additional conditions and procedures stipulated are specific for assessing samples of chemicals, effluents, elutriates, leachates, or receiving waters.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Acute Lethality Test Using Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
  Methods recommended by Environment Canada for performing acute lethality tests with threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), seawater-acclimated, are described in this report. Universal conditions and procedures are outlined for an acute lethality test using various test materials. Additional conditions and procedures are stipulated for assessing samples of chemicals, effluents, elubiates, leachates, and receiving waters.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Acute Test for Sediment Toxicity Using Marine or Estuarine Amphipods
  This report describes methods proposed by the Inter-Governmental Aquatic Toxicity Group and recommended by Environment Canada for performing static 10-day tests for sediment toxicity, using one or more specified species of marine or estuarine sediment burrowing amphipods.Universal conditions and procedures are outlined for preparing and conducting the test. Additional conditions and procedures specific to the objective of the test are also stipulated.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Fertilization Assay Using Echinoids (Sea Urchins and Sand Dollars)
  This report describes the methods for performing a sublethal marine toxicity test using gametes obtained from sea urchins and sand dollars. Procedures are given for holding adult echinoids in the laboratory and obtaining sperm and eggs for a test. Universal conditions and procedures are outlined for testing various substances.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Growth Inhibition Test Using the Freshwater Alga Selenastrum capricornutum
  This report describes the microplate techniques recommended by Environment Canada for determining the chronic toxicity of effluents, elutriates, leachates, receiving waters, or chemicals to the green alga Selenastrum capricornutum using the microplate technique. Universal conditions and procedures are outlined for conducting a chronic growth inhibition test using various test materials.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Reference Method for Determining Acute Lethality of Effluents to Daphnia magna - Second edition, 2000
  This report describes explicit standard or reference methods for determining the acute lethal toxicity of effluents to the crustacean "waterflea" Daphnia magna. Specific instructions are given for performing and reporting acute lethality tests with samples of effluent. The report completes the guidance provided in the generic methodology report Biological Test Method: Acute Lethality Test Using Daphnia spp (EPS 1/RM/11).This report supersedes the first edition of Reference Method EPS 1/RM/14 (published in July 1990 and amended in May 1996).
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Reference Method for Determining Acute Lethality of Effluents to Rainbow Trout - Second edition, 2000
  This report provides explicit standard or reference methods for measuring the acute lethal toxicity of effluents to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Methods are given for a single-concentration test, a multi-concentration test to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50), and a test with reference toxicant. This second edition of Reference Method EPS 1/RM/13 supersedes the version published in July 1990 and amended in May 1996.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Reference Method for Determining Acute Lethality of Sediment to Marine or Estuarine Amphipods
  This report describes a reference method for measuring the acute lethal toxicity of contaminated whole sediment to marine or estuarine amphipods. It provides explicit instructions for performing a static,10-day lethality test in the laboratory, using one or more of the following species of amphipod crustaceans: Rhepoxynius abronius, Eohaustorius washingtonianus, Eohaustorius estuarius, and Amphiporeia virginiana. This reference method follows and is built upon the generic Biological Test Method: Acute Test for Sediment Toxicity Using Marine or Estuarine Amphipods published by Environment Canada (1992,EPS 1/RM/26).
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Reference Method for Determining the Toxicity of Sediment Using Luminescent Bacteria in a Solid-Phase Test
  A reference method for measuring the toxicity of samples of whole sediment under controlled and defined laboratory conditions is described in this report. It uses luminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri) as the test organism and inhibition of light production by the bacteria in a solid-phase test as the biological endpoint. This reference method follows and is built upon the generic (multipurpose) biological test method "Toxicity Test Using Luminescent Bacteria (Photobacterium phosphoreum)" published previously by Environment Canada (1992, EPS 1/RM/24).
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Test for Measuring Emergence and Growth of Terrestrial Plants Exposed to Contaminants in Soil
  This document provides detailed procedures, conditions, and guidance for preparing for and conducting a biological test for measuring soil toxicity using terrestrial plants. Twelve species options are provided. The test is a 14- or 21-day test for effects on seedling emergence and plant growth. The method is conducted as a static (i.e. no renewal) test, using one or more samples of contaminated or potentially contaminated soil or one or more concentrations of chemical(s) or chemical products(s) spiked in negative control (or other) soil.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Test for Measuring the Inhibition of Growth Using the Freshwater Macrophyte,Lemna minor
  This report describes a biological test method recommended by Environment Canada for performing toxicity tests that measure the inhibition of growth using the aquatic macrophyte Lemna minor. The endpoints for the test are frond number and frond dry weight at the end of a 7-day toxicity test. Procedures are given for culturing L. minor in the laboratory. General or universal conditions and procedures are outlined for testing various substances for their effects on Lemna growth.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Test for Survival and Growth in Sediment Using Spionid Polychaete Worms (Polydora cornuta)
  Procedures recommended by Environment Canada for performing sediment toxicity tests using spionid polychaete worms (Polydora cornuta) are described in this biological test method.The species of worm selected for this test is a deposit-feeding, tube-dwelling, infaunal worm of the family of Spionidae, which is found in estuarine or marine sediment within Canada's Atlantic coastal waters. The endpoints for the test are survival and weight of juvenile, laboratory-cultured worms. Test duration is 14 days.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Test for Survival and Growth in Sediment Using the Freshwater Amphipod Hyalella azteca
  This report describes methods recommended by Environment Canada for performing sediment toxicity tests using the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca. The test is intended primarily for measuring the adverse effect(s) of freshwater sediments, although procedures for testing estuarine sediments are also described. General or universal test conditions and procedures are outlined for test preparation and performance.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Test for Survival and Growth in Sediment Using the Larvae of Freshwater Midges (Chironomus tentans or Chironomus riparius)
  This report describes methods recommended by Environment Canada for performing sediment toxicity tests using midge larvae. General or universal test conditions and procedures are outlined for test preparation and performance. Additional conditions and procedures are stipulated that are specific to the intended use of the test. This test is suitable for measuring and assessing the toxicity of samples of field-collected sediment, sludge, or similar particulate material, or of sediment spiked (mixed) in the laboratory with chemical(s) or chemical substance(s), contaminated sediment, or other particulate material.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Test of Larval Growth and Survival Using Fathead Minnows
  This report describes methods proposed by the Inter-Governmental Aquatic Toxicity Group and recommended by Environment Canada for performing toxicity tests that measure growth and survival of very young (larval) fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Procedures are given for culturing fathead minnows in the laboratory, obtaining eggs, and hatching the young for use in the tests. Universal conditions and procedures are outlined for testing a variety of materials for their effects on larval growth and mortality.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Test of Reproduction and Survival Using the Cladoceran Ceriodaphnia dubia
  This report describes the methods proposed by the Inter-Governmental Aquatic Toxicity Group and recommended by Environment Canada for performing chronic three-brood toxicity tests with the freshwater cladoceran, Ceriodaphnia dubia. Universal conditions and procedures are outlined for conducting this chronic toxicity test using various test materials. Additional conditions and procedures are stipulated for assessing specific samples of chemicals, effluents, elutriates, leachates, or receiving waters.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Toxicity Test Using Luminescent Bacteria (Photobacterium phosphoreum)
  This report describes the methods recommended by Environment Canada for performing toxicity tests with the luminescent bacterium Photobacterium phosphoreum. Universal conditions and procedures are outlined for testing various substances. Additional conditions and procedures stipulated are specific to the assessment of samples of chemicals, effluent, leachate, elutriate, receiving waters, and sediments or other solids such as soil.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Test Method: Toxicity Tests Using Early Life Stages of Salmonid Fish (Rainbow Trout)(Second edition)
  This report presents methods recommended by Environment Canada for performing toxicity tests that measure effects on salmonid embryos, alevins, and swim-up fry. Three test methods are described, all of which start with the onset of embryo development and measure the development and survival of fish at early life stages. Instructions and requirements are included on apparatus, facilities, handling and storage of samples, preparation of test solutions and initiation of tests.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Biological Treatment of Textile Finishing Mill Effluent
  The purpose of this study was to determine the best biological treatment for textile mill effluents in terms of removal of organic matter and colour and to establish design and operating criteria for treatment facilities.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Effects of Nitrate on the Acidification of the Aquatic System
  The occurrence of precipitation that is more acidic than expected from the atmospheric carbon dioxide equilibrium has been well documented. While the ionic composition of acid rain is looked at, the complex relationships of the precipitation composition to emission sources are not treated in this report. The importance of the nitrate deposition in relation to the acidifying effects on the aquatic regime is examined.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Environmental Assessment of the Canadian Textile Industry
  In 1985-1986, Environment Canada updated the textile data base by surveying selected mills as well as sampling/analyzing effluents from selected textile mills for several parameters including effluent fish toxicity. This report briefly describes the industry, summarizes the information/data obtained from the surveys/studies, and assesses the environmental problems associated with this industrial sector based on the available information.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) at Pulp and Paper Mills: Synthesis of the 48 Cycle 2 Studies Conducted in Quebec
  The main objective of the national Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) Program is to assess the effectiveness of the federal regulations protecting fish and fish habitat and the use of fisheries resources. In Quebec, 46 studies (including three joint studies) representing 50 pulp and paper mills were completed in April 2000 for Cycle 2 of the EEM; two other studies were finished in 2002. Seven studies dealt with mills that discharge their effluents into marine or estuarine environments; 41 studies concerned mills in the freshwater environment (i.e. lakes and rivers).
  
  
• Guidance Document for Testing the Pathogenicity and Toxicity of New Microbial Substances to Aquatic and Terrestrial Organisms
  The intent of this document is to provide guidance on preparing for and conducting single-species tests to measure and evaluate the pathogenicity and/or toxicity of new microbial substances to aquatic and terrestrial organisms. It focuses on the information requirements with respect to laboratory tests for measuring the potential ecological effects of new microbial substances on six categories of test (host) organisms, that might be required by Environment Canada as part of the New Substances Notification (NSN) Regulations under CEPA 1999.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Guidance Document on Application and Interpretation of Single-species Tests in Environmental Toxicology
  This document provides guidance on using and interpreting single-species toxicity tests for protecting the environment. It focuses on the toxicity tests published by Environment Canada, and supplements other documents of the department which deal with sampling, testing, and analyses. Aquatic tests receive most emphasis because they are in more frequent use, but tests with sediment and soil also receive coverage. Both lethal and sublethal tests are included.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Guidance Document on Collection and Preparation of Sediments for Physicochemical Characterization and Biological Testing
  This report gives essential guidance on correct procedures for collecting and preparing sediments, to ensure that test data are as complete and accurate as possible. Two methods are described for selecting sampling stations and for collecting, transporting, handling, storing and manipulating sediment samples. The first method relates to various monitoring and assessment studies; the second concerns the open-water disposal of dredged materials.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Guidance Document on Control of Toxicity Test Precision Using Reference Toxicants
  This report describes the use of reference toxicants within a laboratory to control toxicity test precision over time. Thirteen chemicals were evaluated for their suitability as reference toxicants. Procedures are given for chemical acquisition, and safe handling and storage. Instructions are provided for establishing and interpreting control charts, as well as reporting data. Monitoring and interpreting duplicate test data are also discussed.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Guidance Document on Measurement of Toxicity Test Precision Using Control Sediments Spiked with Reference Toxicant
  This report provides guidance and recommendations for the selection of a reference toxicant, spiking procedure, and use of control sediments for assessing changes in sensitivity of the test organisms to toxicants and measuring precision of both intra- and inter-laboratory spiked-sediment toxicity tests. A reference test, in which control sediment is spiked with a reference toxicant, may be used within a laboratory or among laboratories to measure the precision of spiked-sediment toxicity tests.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Guidance Manual for Sewage Treatment Plant Process Audits
  This manual describes techniques to assess existing municipal wastewater treatment plants to identify their hydraulic and process bottlenecks, and to establish the plants' actual capacity. Hydraulic modelling, oxygen transfer tests, online data acquisition, digester tracer studies, and dye tests are some of the tools used for evaluation and optimization.
  
  
• Interpretive Guidance for Bioassays using Pollution Gradient Studies - Belledune, New Brunswick
  Environment Canada controls disposal at sea and meets its international obligations under the London Convention of 1972 by a system of permits described in Part VI of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. This is the first of two pollution gradient studies developed by the department to assist in gathering additional information to help confirm the interim interpretation criteria for a battery of marine sediment bioassays.
  
  
• Microbial Source Tracking in Aquatic Ecosystems: The State of the Science and an Assessment of Needs
  Fecal pollution of aquatic ecosystems is a significant problem in many areas across Canada. Microbial source tracking (MST) is an emerging field that offers considerable promise for determining the source of fecal pollution. A microbial source tracking (MST) workshop was held in Toronto on March 7-8, 2005 , to review the state of MST science and its readiness for widespread application across Canada . This workshop report outlines: the state of the science; current MST activities in Canada the U.S. and internationally; and an assessment of fecal pollution source tracking needs in Canada.
  
  
• NH3 Treatment Processes for the Removal of Ammonia from Municipal Wastewater
  This manual describes techniques to identify and evaluate technological options for application at municipal wastewater treatment plants for the removal of total ammonia-nitrogen from wastewaters.
  
  
• Preliminary Survey of Eohaustorius estuarius on the West Coast of Vancouver Island
  Amphipods are found in both marine and freshwater environments. They are important intermediate links in the food chain. This report details the results of preliminary field and laboratory studies conducted on the marine/estuarine amphipod Eohaustorius estuarius, which is widely used in sediment toxicity tests. The field work was conducted to identify habitat characteristics where this amphipod species is found; map out the local geographic distribution; identify potential collection sites and determine whether E. estuarius can be collected successfully from the west coast of Vancouver Island for sediment testing purposes.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Pulp and Paper Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM): Results Synthesis for the 47 Cycle 1 Studies Conducted in Quebec
  Mills are required to conduct EEM studies under the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations of the federal Fisheries Act. These scientific studies include delineation of the spatial extent of the effluent mixing zone, studies on fish and benthic invertebrate communities in the receiving environment, analysis of chlorinated dioxin and furan congeners in fish, and toxicity tests of the effluents.
  
  
• Reference Method for the Determination of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-para-Dioxins (PCDDs)and Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in Pulp and Paper Mill Effluents
  The analytical methodology described in this report has been developed in support of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and is used to identify and quantify trace amounts of PCDDs and PCDFs in effluents from pulp and paper mills. The following procedures are described in detail: sample collection, extraction, cleanup, chromatographic separation, and identification and quantification of tetra-through octa- CCD/CDF congeners, including 2,3,7,8,-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran.
  Available from Environment Canada Selected Publications (1-800-734-3232)
  
  
• Report on Biological Toxicity Tests Using Pollution Gradient Studies - Sydney Harbour
  This is the second of two pollution gradient studies undertaken by Environment Canada to examine the field performance of chemical and biological tools proposed for the assessment of marine sediments destined for disposal at sea. Toxicity and bioaccumulation tests, sediment and pore water chemistry, and benthic community structure were examined along a known Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons pollution gradient in Sydney Harbour, Nova Scotia.
  
  
• Review of Municipal Wastewater Effluent Chlorination/Dechlorination Principles, Technologies and Practices
  Given that chlorine and chlorine residuals are toxic to fish and other aquatic life, and the likelihood that current chlorination and dechlorination installations are not going to be abandoned overnight, it was appropriate that a review of chlorination/dechlorination principles, technologies and practices be conducted. To this end, this report has been developed. This has included a comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art methods for chlorine-based disinfection, residual chlorine control, dechlorination chemicals and procedures, and the related chlorination and dechlorination equipment used in the wastewater treatment. The report summarizes chlorination/dechlorination theory.
  
  
• Towards Better Management of Textile Mill Effluents
  This fact sheet provides an overview of the legal context, the contents and treatment of textile mill effluents, the risk assessment conclusions, and the development of risk management instruments.