EFFECTS OF COPPER-CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS ON HYALELLA-AZTECA, DAPHNIA-MAGNA, AND CERIODAPHNIA-DUBIA - SURVIVAL, GROWTH, AND ENZYME-INHIBITION

The results of two newly developed sediment toxicity tests were compared to the standard, 48-h acute Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia tests. The 14-day Hyalella azteca growth inhibition test is a definitive test of chronic exposure to toxic sediments. The rapid, fluorescent D. magna test, which is based on in vivo inhibition of enzymatic processes, has been suggested as a rapid screening tool. H. azteca mortality was the least sensitive bioassay endpoint, while H. azteca growth, D. magna fluorescence, C. dubia mortality, and D. magna mortality were equally sensitive to the effects of sediments spiked with CuSO4. In sediments collected in copper-contaminated lakes, the standard, acute 48-h D. magna bioassay was the least sensitive test, while the D. magna fluorescence test and H. azteca growth reduction test were the most sensitive bioassays.