ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates the various applications of small volume toxicity testing with marine mollusks, and examines the comparability of toxicity test results obtained in large-volume and small-volume test containers. Recent advances in test methodology have demonstrated the utility of conducting molluskan toxicity tests in small volume containers. Recent developments in toxicity testing have included fractionation of complex toxicant mixtures to identify compounds responsible for observed toxicity. In toxicity identification evaluation procedures, many sample fractions are difficult to produce in large volumes. A common application for small volume testing is in the toxicity assessment of sediments and pore water. Initial copper concentrations were measured in samples taken directly from the mixing flask that was used to deliver test solution to the toxicity test containers. The observed differences in toxicity associated with different container types did not appear to be the result of differential loss of toxicant to container surfaces.
