Establishment of standardized growth conditions of Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) verdcourt for testing sediment toxicity

A bioassay with Myriophyllum aquaticum was established for testing toxicity of sediments. Hoagland's nutrient media with an additional 30 g/l sucrose as a carbon source and appropriate pH values between 4-7 under axenic condi tions were recommended. In addition, Turface as a synthetic sediment was fo und very suitable for the growth of plants. Pigment content of M. aquaticum was the endpoint used to calculate EC50 of 2.4 D as a model substance. The calculated EC50 was 0.02 mg/l and was lower than by other macrophytes.