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 compar ed to the standard, 48-h acute Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia te sts. 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 proces ses, 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 e qually sensitive to the effects of sediments spiked with CuSO4. In sed iments collected in copper-contaminated lakes, the standard, acute 48- h D. magna bioassay was the least sensitive test, while the D. magna f luorescence test and H. azteca growth reduction test were the most sen sitive bioassays.