EPA-OW: Test Method 1001.0: Embryo-larval survival and teratogenicity test using Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas

Summary
Analytes
Revision
Data and Sites

Official Method Name

Fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, Embryo-Larval Survival and Teratogenicity Test Method 1001.0

Current Revision

Fourth Edition, Oct 2002

Media

WATER

Instrumentation

Organism: Refer to method for specific species and genus

Method Subcategory

Chronic Toxicity

Method Source

EPA-OW

Citation

Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms

Brief Method Summary

Fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, embryos are exposed in a static renewal system to different concentrations of effluent or to receiving water for seven days, starting shortly after fertilization of the eggs. Test results are based on the total frequency of both mortality and gross morphological deformities (terata).

Scope and Application

This method estimates the chronic toxicity of whole effluents and receiving water to the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, using embryos in a seven-day, static renewal test. The effects include the synergistic, antagonistic, and additive effects of all the chemical, physical, and biological components which adversely affect the physiological and biochemical functions of the test organisms. The test is useful in screening for teratogens because organisms are exposed during embryonic development.

Applicable Concentration Range

Interferences

Introduced toxic substances; Low D.O.; Improper effluent sampling and sample handling; Pathogenic and/or predatory organisms in the dilution water and effluent; pH drift during the test may contribute to artifactual toxicity when ammonia or other pH-dependent toxicants (such as metals) are present.

Quality Control Requirements

4.1.1 Development and maintenance of a toxicity test laboratory quality assurance (QA) program (USEPA, 1991a) requires an ongoing commitment by laboratory management. Each toxicity test laboratory should (1) appoint a quality assurance officer with the responsibility and authority to develop and maintain a QA program; (2) prepare a quality assurance plan with stated data quality objectives (DQOs); (3) prepare a written description of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) for culturing, toxicity testing, instrument calibration, sample chain-of-custody procedures, laboratory sample tracking system, glassware cleaning, etc.; and (4) provide an adequate, qualified technical staff for culturing and testing the organisms, and suitable space and equipment to assure reliable data.

4.1.2 QA practices for toxicity testing laboratories must address all activities that affect the quality of the final effluent toxicity test data, such as: (1) effluent sampling and handling; (2) the source and condition of the test organisms; (3) condition of equipment; (4) test conditions; (5) instrument calibration; (6) replication; (7) use of reference toxicants; (8) record keeping; and (9) data evaluation.

4.1.3 Quality control practices, on the other hand, consist of the more focused, routine, day-to-day activities carried out within the scope of the overall QA program. For more detailed discussion of quality assurance and general guidance on good laboratory practices and laboratory evaluation related to toxicity testing, see FDA, (1978); USEPA, (1979d), USEPA (1980b), USEPA (1980c), and USEPA (1991c); DeWoskin (1984); and Taylor (1987).

4.1.4 Guidance for the evaluation of laboratories performing toxicity tests and laboratory evaluation criteria may be found in USEPA (1991c).

Sample Handling

Maximum Holding Time

Daily observations on mortality make it possible to also calculate the acute toxicity for desired exposure periods (i.e., 24-h, 48-h, 96-h LC50s).

Relative Cost

Unknown

Sample Preparation Methods

Filtration, Dechlorination.

This method has 3 analytes associated with it.

Analyte	Detection Level	Bias	Precision
Fathead minnow, larval growth and survival(E-12544) Fathead minnow, larval growth and survival Fecundity, Pimephales promelas Growth, Pimephales promelas Larval growth and survival, Pimephales promelas Minnow, fathead; larval growth and survival Pimephales promelas, larval growth and survival Reproduction and survival, Pimephales promelas Survival, Pimephales promelas	N/A	N/A	N/A
Survival(X00008) Survival	N/A	N/A	N/A
Teratogenicity(X00027) Gross morphological deformities (terata) Teratogenicity	N/A	N/A	N/A

Precision Descriptor Notes:	It is a laboratory's responsibility to demonstrate its ability to obtain consistent, precise results with reference toxicants before it performs toxicity tests with effluents for permit compliance purposes. To meet this requirement, the intra-laboratory precision, expressed as percent coefficient of variation, of each type of test to be used in a laboratory should be determined by performing five or more tests with different batches of test organisms using the same reference toxicant, at the same concentrations, with the same test conditions, and the same data analysis methods.
Detection Level Note:	N/A

Precision Descriptor Notes:

It is a laboratory's responsibility to demonstrate its ability to obtain consistent, precise results with reference toxicants before it performs toxicity tests with effluents for permit compliance purposes. To meet this requirement, the intra-laboratory precision, expressed as percent coefficient of variation, of each type of test to be used in a laboratory should be determined by performing five or more tests with different batches of test organisms using the same reference toxicant, at the same concentrations, with the same test conditions, and the same data analysis methods.

Detection Level Note:

N/A

Revision	PDF/Link
Fourth Edition, Oct 2002

The Water Quality Portal contains sample results from sites that use this method.

Download WQP data

Select data:

Sites only
Sample results only

File format:

Comma-separated
Tab-separated
MS Excel 2007+

Sites where this method was used

Loading Sites ...

EPA-OW: Test Method 1001.0: Embryo-larval survival and teratogenicity test using Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas

WHO WE ARE

LEGAL