Abstract
With some notable exceptions, such as the echinoderm and oyster larvae tests, the species traditionally used in bioassays are not sufficiently sensitive to detect subtle ecological effects of pollutants. It is suggested that by using ecological criteria, species can be identified from any pollution gradient that are sensitive to subtle effects of pollution. Examples are given using gradients of oil, sewage and titanium dioxide pollution, showing how ecologically sensitive species for use in laboratory bioassays can be selected objectively.
Many marine molluscs show microgrowth bands, which can be used as in situ field bioassays. An example is given using the bivalve Cerastoderma edule.
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© 1989 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
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Gray, J.S. (1989). Do bioassays adequately predict ecological effects of pollutants?. In: Munawar, M., Dixon, G., Mayfield, C.I., Reynoldson, T., Sadar, M.H. (eds) Environmental Bioassay Techniques and their Application. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 54. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1896-2_38
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1896-2_38
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