Author Description

This report describes methods recommended by Environment Canada for performing sub-lethal tests for the assessment of marine or estuarine sediments intended for disposal at sea. Parts 1 & 2 present complete methods that can be used independently from the other: a toxicity test using luminescent bacteria and a fertilization assay using echinoids. Each part contains: a description of the test & of the species that can be used; procedures for holding test species in the laboratory & preparing them for the testing phase; conditions & procedures for testing sediments; instructions for test facilities, handling & storing samples, preparing test solutions, initializing tests, specific test conditions, appropriate observations & measurements, & endpoints; and methods of calculations & validation of the test.