Ecotoxicological Characterisation of Waste as an Instrument in Waste Classification and Risk Assessment

Abstract

The most important result of the European ring test is the clear evidence that biological test systems are an implementable and reliable instrument for the ecotoxicological characterization of wastes. The experience gained from ecotoxic-ity waste tests provides the possibility of comprehensively determining potential hazardous waste types with a combination of biological test results and chemical residue analysis on a routine base. The intrinsic properties of waste material can be assessed in a so-called Extended Limit Test design, in which a minimum test set is applied in given dilution steps of the waste to be tested. Based on the present scientific knowledge and the experience of the ring test, toxicity criteria for each test system of the basic test set were developed.

In addition to the determination of intrinsic waste properties, waste ecotoxicity test systems can also be an important instrument for waste risk assessments, e.g., the reuse of waste, by adapting the leaching method and the test battery to the waste management scenario.