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Developing Acute-to-chronic Toxicity Ratios for Lead, Cadmium, and Zinc using Rainbow Trout, a Mayfly, and a Midge

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Abstract

In order to estimate acute-to-chronic toxicity ratios (ACRs) relevant to a coldwater stream community, we exposed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in 96-h acute and 60+ day early-life stage (ELS) exposures. We also tested the acute and sublethal responses of a mayfly (Baetis tricaudatus) and a midge (Chironomus dilutus, formerly C. tentans) with Pb. We examine the statistical interpretation of test endpoints and the acute-to-chronic ratio concept. Increasing the number of control replicates by 2 to 3× decreased the minimum detectable differences by almost half. Pb ACR estimates mostly increased with increasing acute resistance of the organisms (rainbow trout ACRs <≈ mayfly < Chironomus). The choice of test endpoint and statistical analysis influenced ACR estimates by up to a factor of four. When calculated using the geometric means of the no- and lowest-observed effect concentrations, ACRs with rainbow trout and Cd were 0.6 and 0.95; Zn about 1.0; and for Pb 3.3 and 11. The comparable Pb ACRs for the mayfly and Chironomus were 5.2 and 51 respectively. Our rainbow trout ACRs with Pb were about 5–20× lower than earlier reports with salmonids. We suggest discounting previous ACR results that used larger and older fish in their acute tests.

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Acknowledgements

Principal funding for these experiments was from the State of Idaho through contracts with EVS Environment Consultants and Windward Environmental. The Hecla Mining Company, Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation, and Asarco, Incorporated, contributed funding for the second phase of chronic testing. At the time of the testing, Christopher A. Mebane was employed by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ); Daniel P. Hennessy and Frank S. Dillon were both employed by EVS Environment Consultants and then Windward Environmental LLC.

Peggy Albertson, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare was the principal chemist; Mary Von Broeke, Idaho Department of Fish and Game assisted with fish husbandry, and Geoff Harvey, IDEQ provided early project management. Garrett D. Gray, Stefan A. Wodzicki, and Russell W. Gibson provided technical support. Charles E. Stephan of the EPA critiqued the design and interpretation of the Pb tests. Critiques by Steven L. Goodbred and Patrick W. Moran of the USGS and three anonymous reviewers improved the paper and were greatly appreciated. This paper has been reviewed in accordance with USGS policy. Mention of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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  1. U.S. Geological Survey, 230 Collins Rd., Boise, ID, 83702, USA

    Christopher A. Mebane

  2. Anchor Environmental, L.L.C., Bellingham, WA, USA

    Daniel P. Hennessy

  3. CH2M Hill, Okemos, MI, USA

    Frank S. Dillon

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  1. Christopher A. Mebane
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Correspondence to Christopher A. Mebane.

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Mebane, C.A., Hennessy, D.P. & Dillon, F.S. Developing Acute-to-chronic Toxicity Ratios for Lead, Cadmium, and Zinc using Rainbow Trout, a Mayfly, and a Midge. Water Air Soil Pollut 188, 41–66 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-007-9524-8

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