Application to the Whole Effluent Toxicity Test

Abstract

In Japan, evaluation methods have been developed for the introduction of the WET test. However, the WET test is a test for a single species, as typified by Daphnia magna and Danio rerio. For this reason, biological interactions are not considered, and it is possible that this will cause impact assessments to differ from the conditions in natural ecosystems. Therefore, we aimed to further develop and verify the WET test using the microcosm. In addition to the single-species test using species belonging to different niches (ecological roles), such as fish, crustaceans, and algae, the microcosm test was conducted as a multiple-species test correlated with a natural ecosystem. It was necessary to construct a comprehensive test method based upon the concepts of ecological impact assessments. The microcosm test can also be incorporated as an expanded test along with a single-species test if necessary.