Biomarkers in Integrated Ecotoxicological Sediment Assessment

Endobenthic Invertebrates as Reference Species

“…According to the Technical Guidance Document on risk assessment in support of European legislation (TGD, 2003), only whole-sediment tests using benthic organisms are suitable for a realistic risk assessment of the sediment Figure 10.1 Endobenthic species used in single-species bioassays within the framework of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals regulation in Europe. However, contaminants present in porewater or interstitial water that occupy the spaces between sediment particles are also of interest because they represent the watersoluble, bioavailable fraction, which is a major route of exposure to benthic organisms (Hartl, 2010). compartment.…”

“…Toxicity bioassays using whole sediment collected from the environment have been developed for many relevant taxa; carrying this type of bioassays needs a careful approach because sediment handling modifies the natural characteristics of sediment, then being able to influence the bioavailability of sedimentbound contaminants and their toxicity (Hartl, 2010). Toxicity bioassays using whole sediment collected from the environment have been developed for many relevant taxa; carrying this type of bioassays needs a careful approach because sediment handling modifies the natural characteristics of sediment, then being able to influence the bioavailability of sedimentbound contaminants and their toxicity (Hartl, 2010).…”