Direct toxicity assessment of effluents

The MCERTS scheme for Direct Toxicity Assessment (DTA) of effluents will require laboratories to follow prescribed test methods, participate in the DTA proficiency testing scheme and have an appropriate quality management system.

A list of approved laboratories and the tests for which they are approved (version 8, updated August 2011) (PDF, 36KB)

Guidance on how to use DTA to quantify the impact of complex effluents on surface water is available:

We have created a steering group for the scheme with members from participating laboratories. Its terms of reference can be found here:

DTA Terms of reference (PDF, 20KB)

We provide the direct toxicity assessment proficiency testing scheme (DTAPS):

The DTA test methods are being developed with the Standing Committee of Analysts and will be available here when published:

The Direct Toxicity Assessment of Aqueous Environmental Samples using the Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Embryo-Larval Development Test (2007) (PDF, 1.5MB)

Blue Book No. 209 (replaces Blue Book 203)

The Direct Toxicity Assessment of Aqueous Environmental Samples using the Marine Copepod Tisbe Battagliai Lethality Test (2007) (PDF, 1MB)

Blue Book No. 210 (replaces Blue Book 205)

The Direct Toxicity Assessment of Aqueous Environmental Samples using the Juvenile Daphnia Magna Immobilisation Test (2007) (PDF, 1.4MB)

Blue Book No. 208

The Direct Toxicity Assessment of Aqueous Environmental Samples using the Pseudokirchneriella Subcapitata Freshwater Algal Growth Inhibition Test (2008) (PDF, 280KB)

Blue Book No. 219

The Direct Toxicity Assessment of Aqueous Environmental Samples using the Skeletonema Costatum Marine Water Algal Growth Inhibition Test (2009) (PDF, 300KB)

Blue Book No. 225 (replaces Blue Book 221)

Further information

To find out more about the MCERTS scheme, please email Mike Healy:

Mike Healy

Direct toxicity assessment of effluents

Further information

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