ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the interpretation of the influence of particle size effects, and ammonia and sulfide toxicity on microscale sediment bioassay results used in decision making under regulatory programs with special emphasis on evaluating the suitability of dredged materials for disposal in marine waters. Aquatic toxicity tests have been used by regulators and managers for environmental assessment and regulation since the 1960s. Sediment bioassays are now used for development of sediment quality guidelines, environmental assessment of contaminated sediments, and for making pass/fail decisions in regulatory programs. The standard protocol for the Microtox solid-phase assay was released by Microbics Corporation in 1992. Sediment toxicity tests were developed using the following criteria: test organisms were sensitive to contaminants, ecologically relevant, easily accessed, and maintained in laboratory; tests exhibit good repeatability; tests simulate in situ toxicity effects; tests are simple and easy to run; and cost effective.
