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(W/EH029) The relevance and sensitivity of macroalgae for use in toxicity tests. Eklund, Britta1, 1 ABSTRACT- The macroalgae are the base of the coastal ecosystems. Healthy populations of many species of macroalgae are the prerequisite for a rich and well functioning ecosystem. Our coasts are used for many purposes e.g. fishing, recreation, and sites for industries. These activities might come into conflict with each other. To make assessments of impact on the ecosystem, it is necessary to use good, reliable and sensitive methods with relevant species. In this presentation, toxicity data from tests with macroalgae is compiled from articles published the last 50 years. About 50 species have been used in toxicity tests and of these around half were brown algae, one third were red algae, and the rest green algae. Toxicity data on metals are most common and amount to about 50 % of the total data. Altogether more than 80 substances have been tested of which 60 only at one time and on one species. A number of endpoints have been used and their sensitivity is compared. The influence on the results of salinity, temperature, light, nutrients and other surrounding factors are looked into and discussed. The need for macroalgae in toxicity testing and the standardisation of such methods is emphasised. Key words: macroalgae, toxicity, test, standardisation |
