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The behavior and identification of toxic metals in complex mixtures: Examples from effluent and sediment pore water toxicity identification evaluations

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Abstract

Toxicity caused by heavy metals in environmental samples can be assessed by performing a suite of toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) methods. The behavior of metals during TIEs can vary greatly according to sample matrix. Some approaches and precautions in using TIE to identify metal toxicants in a sample are discussed, using case studies from three effluent and one sediment TIEs. These approaches include responses of metals that erroneously suggest the presence of other toxicants, the bioavailability of metals retained by glass-fiber filtration, and cautionary steps in Phase III to avoid dilution water effects on sample toxicity.

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Author notes

  1. M. K. Schubauer-Berigan

    Present address: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 320 W. 2nd St., 55802, Duluth, MN

  2. J. R. Amato & J. R. Dierkes

    Present address: AScI Corporation Environmental Testing Division, 211 E. 2nd St., 55802, Duluth, MN

  3. S. E. Baker

    Present address: University of Minnesota-Duluth, School of Medicine, 55812, Duluth, MN

Authors and Affiliations

  1. AScI Corporation, 6201 Congdon Blvd., 55804, Duluth, Minnesota, USA

    M. K. Schubauer-Berigan, J. R. Amato, S. E. Baker, J. R. Dierkes, J. J. Jenson & M. T. Lukasewycz

  2. Environmental Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 55804, Duluth, Minnesota, USA

    G. T. Ankley, L. P. Burkhard & T. J. Norberg-King

Authors
  1. M. K. Schubauer-Berigan
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  2. J. R. Amato
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  3. G. T. Ankley
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  4. S. E. Baker
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  5. L. P. Burkhard
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  6. J. R. Dierkes
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  7. J. J. Jenson
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  8. M. T. Lukasewycz
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  9. T. J. Norberg-King
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Schubauer-Berigan, M.K., Amato, J.R., Ankley, G.T. et al. The behavior and identification of toxic metals in complex mixtures: Examples from effluent and sediment pore water toxicity identification evaluations. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 24, 298–306 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01128728

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01128728

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