Development and synthesis of a native freshwater mussel toxicity database
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2016-12
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
BRYAN, REBECCA. MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT. DEVELOPMENT
AND SYNTHESIS OF A NATIVE FRESHWATER MUSSEL TOXICITY DATABASE
A database of native freshwater mussel toxicity test results was developed based on a literature
search and review of 125 published articles and other available data. The database includes
quantitative results from toxicity studies published from 1991 to 2014. The number of data results
compiled in the database for metals were 10 for mercury, 22 for lead, 138 for zinc, 169 for
cadmium, and 199 for copper. An extended analysis of the copper data indicates that there were
99 acute LC50/EC50 results conducted according to American Society of Testing and Materials
(ASTM) toxicity testing guideline recommendations (E2455-06; reapproved 2013), with 62 acute
24-hour glochidia (larvae) test results and 37 acute 96-hour juvenile mussel results. The number
of data results compiled in the database for pesticides were 2 for glyphosate, 3 for diazinon, 8 for
chlorpyrifos, 9 for permethrin, 13 for 2,4-D and pentachlorophenol, 15 for carbaryl, 26 for atrazine,
and 35 for nonylphenol. The test results observed for acute glochidia and juvenile tests with copper
were variable between different freshwater mussel species, indicating more than one freshwater
mussel species should be used in laboratory toxicity testing to provide dependable toxicity data
based on different habitat requirements. However, restricting the number of species recommended
for toxicity test types will provide more reproducible laboratory data for comparisons and effect
determinations. For continued expansion of the database, toxicity results from tests with the
emerging contaminants of major ions, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals from pollution events in
freshwater need additional representation. Additional quantitative database endpoints that follow
ASTM guidelines are needed for the current database toxicants and additional chemicals of
concern. The toxicity test results in the database provide guidance on freshwater mussel toxicants
based on survival and effects so that appropriate water quality criteria and standards can be derived
in the future.
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Keywords
freshwater mussel; toxicity; database; Unionidae; acute toxicity; chronic toxicity