ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes general methodology and techniques used in freshwater laboratory toxicity testing; however, most of the discussion is also relevant for saltwater organisms. The emphasis on water pollution control activities in the United States and the increase in the use of freshwater and saltwater aquatic toxicity tests have been driven primarily by various federal regulations for protection of humans and, at a later date, protection of aquatic life. Natural fresh waters are the ultimate recipients of most toxic substances generated by industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities and released into the environment. Management of toxic substances entering natural waters is difficult because contaminants often enter an aquatic system from multiple or diffuse sources. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, passed in 1947 and reauthorized in 1972, requires that any pesticide distributed or sold in the United States be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.
