EVALUATION OF THE MICROTOX TEST TO DETECT PHORATE CONTAMINATION IN WETLANDS

The Microtox test was evaluated as a tool to measure the presence of p horate, an organophosphate insecticide, in northern prairie wetlands. Microtox test results were inconsistent with results of other in situ toxicity tests with aquatic invertebrates and ducklings. The Microtox test often indicated no toxicity, even though both invertebrates and d ucklings died. Caution should be used when interpreting the results of the Microtox test to evaluate wetlands for pesticide contamination.