ISO/TC 147/SC 5/WG 5 - Toxicity - Algae and aquatic plants

ISO 20227:2017 specifies a method for the determination of the inhibition of the growth of the first fronds of Spirodela polyrhiza germinated from turions, by substances and mixtures contained in water or waste water, including treated municipal waste water and industrial effluents. The test is also applicable to pure chemicals and in particular, plant protection products and pesticides.

ISO 10253:2016 specifies a method for the determination of the inhibition of growth of the unicellular marine algae Skeletonema sp. and Phaeodactylum tricornutum by substances and mixtures contained in sea water or by environmental water samples (effluents, elutriates, etc.). The method can be used for testing substances that are readily soluble in water and are not significantly degraded or eliminated in any other way from the test medium.

ISO 16191:2013 specifies a method for determining the toxicity of environmental samples on the growth of Myriophyllum aquaticum. The method described is applicable to natural fresh water sediment and artificial sediment.

ISO 8692:2012 specifies a method for the determination of the growth inhibition of unicellular green algae by substances and mixtures contained in water or by waste water. This method is applicable for substances that are easily soluble in water. With modifications to this method, as specified in ISO 14442 and ISO 5667-16, the inhibitory effects of poorly soluble organic and inorganic materials, volatile compounds, heavy metals and waste water can be tested. A rapid algal growth inhibition screening test for waste water is described in an annex. An alternative test procedure with algae from algal beads, with direct measurement of algal growth in spectrophotometric cells, is described in an annex.

ISO 10710:2010 specifies a method for the determination of the inhibition of growth of the macroalga Ceramium tenuicorne by substances and mixtures contained in seawater or by waste water with salinities between 4S and 32S. This method is applicable to substances that are easily soluble in water.

ISO/TR 11044:2008 discusses scientific and technical aspects that have been considered in connection with the development of batch algal growth inhibition test procedures specified in ISO 8692, for freshwater, and ISO 10253, for marine waters. Previously unpublished results of experiments performed at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) have been included to demonstrate various aspects.

ISO 8192:2007 specifies a method for assessing the inhibitory effect of a test material on the oxygen consumption of activated sludge microorganisms. This method is intended to represent the conditions in biological waste-water treatment plants. It gives information on inhibitory or stimulatory effects after a short exposure (usually 30 min up to 180 min or even more ) of the test material on activated sludge microorganisms. This method is applicable for testing waters, waste waters, pure chemicals and mixtures of chemicals. Concerning the chemicals, the method refers to those which are soluble under the test conditions. Special care is necessary with materials of low water solubility or high volatility, and with materials abiotically consuming or producing oxygen.

ISO 14442:2006 provides procedures, not covered by the methods described in ISO 8692 and ISO 10253, for testing difficult substances for inhibition of algal growth. The main subjects covered by ISO 14442:2006 are the methods for preparing the test substance for testing and the procedures needed to carry out an appropriate test. The following test substances are covered by this guideline: poorly soluble pure organic compounds; poorly soluble mixtures of organic substances; poorly soluble inorganic materials; volatile substances; waste waters and environmental samples containing water and sediments; coloured and/or turbid samples; compounds of heavy metals. The following methods of addition are covered: direct; dispersion; water-soluble and water-accommodated fractions. Some guidelines related to the analytical procedures and to the interpretation of the results have been included.

ISO 20079:2005 specifies a method for the determination of the growth-inhibiting response of duckweed (Lemna minor) to substances and mixtures contained in water, treated municipal wastewater and industrial effluents.

ISO 10253:2006 specifies a method for the determination of the inhibition of growth of the unicellular marine algae Skeletonema costatum and Phaeodactylum tricornutum by substances and mixtures contained in sea water.The method can be used for testing substances that are readily soluble in water and are not significantly degraded or eliminated in any other way from the test medium.

ISO 8692:2004 specifies a method for the determination of the growth inhibition of unicellular green algae by substances and mixtures contained in water or by wastewater. The method is applicable for substances that are easily soluble in water. With modifications to this method, as described in ISO 14442 and ISO 5667-16, the inhibitory effects of poorly soluble organic and inorganic materials, volatile compounds, heavy metals and waste water can be tested. A rapid algal growth inhibition screening test for wastewater is also included.

Gives a method for the determination of the toxic effects of chemical compounds on the growth of planktonic freshwater algae. The test can be used for readily water-soluble substances which are not significantly degraded or eliminated from the test system.