Amphipod Sediment Toxicity Tests

Abstract The purpose of the amphipod solid‐phase toxicity test is to determine if test sediment samples reduce survival (growth, reproduction, etc.) of exposed organisms relative to that of organisms exposed to control and reference sediment. Test results are reported as treatment (station) or combination of treatments (sites or chemicals) that produce statistically significant reduced survival (growth, reproduction, etc.) from control or reference sediments. Sediment amphipod tests (3) can be used to (1) determine the relationship between toxic effects and bioavailability, (2) investigate interactions among contaminants, (3) compare the sensitivities of different organisms, (4) determine spatial and temporal distribution of contamination, (5) evaluate hazards of dredged material, (6) measure toxicity as part of product licensing or safety testing or chemical approval, (7) rank areas for clean up, and (8) set cleanup goals and estimate the effectiveness of remediation or management practices.