A Review of Sediment Toxicity Bioassays Using the Amphipods and Polychaetes

Abstract

Several bioassay methods have been developed since the US EPA7COE (United States Environmental Protection Agency/ Army Corps of Engineers) testing protocol was devised, involving a great variety of test species. The amphipods and the polychates are now beginning to be used routinely as standard bioassay organisms for assessing the toxicity of marine sediments for regulatory purposes. The present review has confirmed the potential of both the amphipods and the polychaetes for sediments toxicity bioassays.