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USGS · 70007047

A sediment suspension system for bioassays with small aquatic organisms

M. J. Schmidt-Dallmier·G.J. Atchison·M.T. Steingraeber·B.C. Knights
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Abstract

Exposure of aquatic organisms to suspended sediments can impair growth and survival and increase bioaccumulation of sediment-associated contaminants. However, evaluation of the effects of suspended sediments and their associated contaminants on aquatic organisms has been hampered by the lack of a practical and inexpensive exposure system for conducting bioassays. We present a cost-effective system for assessing the effects of suspended sediments and associated contaminants on small aquatic organisms. A 7-day suspension test was conducted with nominal sediment concentrations ranging from 0.0 to 5.0 g 1 −1 . The system maintained relatively constant suspended sediment concentrations, as measured by turbidity, and caused minimal mortality to test organisms.

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M. J. Schmidt-Dallmier, G.J. Atchison, M.T. Steingraeber, B.C. Knights. 1992. A sediment suspension system for bioassays with small aquatic organisms. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00006156

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