Development and synthesis of a native freshwater mussel toxicity database

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2016-12

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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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freshwater mussel; toxicity; database; Unionidae; acute toxicity; chronic toxicity

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