Plant toxicity testing with sediment and marsh soils
Walsh GE. 1991. Plant toxicity testing with sediment and marsh soils. NPS/NRWRD/NRTR-91/03 (NPS D-685). National Park Service, Water Resources Division. Fort Collins, CO
A short account of the principles and practices of toxicity testing with aquatic plants and sediments is given. Aquatic (wetland, marsh) plants have been shown to be sensitive to toxicants in natural and synthetic sediments, and advantages and disadvantages of each type of sediment in toxicity testing are described. Toxicological studies with Echinochloa crusgalli, Sesbania macrocarpa, and Spartina alterniflora are described, but other experimental species need to be adapted for use in impact analysis and risk assessment. It is concluded, after comparison of results from seed germination, hydroponic, and sediment tests, that the latter best simulate the unique field conditions under which plants are exposed to pollutants.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Walsh, Gerald
- Date of Issue
- 1991-09
- Publisher
- National Park Service, Water Resources Division
- Units
- WRD
- Keywords
- Aquatic Ecosystems, Benthos, Contaminants, marsh soils, plant toxicity, Sediment, sediment organisms, Seed germination, Technical Reference, Testing, Vascular Plants, Wetlands, WRBIB