Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Sensitivity Of Vertebrate Embryos To Heavy Metals As A Criterion Of Water Quality, Phase Ii: Bioassay Procedures Using Developmental Stages As Test Organisms, Wesley J. Birge, Albert G. Westerman, Jeffrey A. Black, Oliver W. Roberts

KWRRI Research Reports

Chick, amphibian, and fish embryos were evaluated as bioassay and bioindicator organisms. Test procedures were developed by which embryonic stages may be used 1) in bioassay systems to evaluate the toxicity of particular metallic or metal-containing trace contaminants, and 20 as bioindicators to monitor the quality of natural water resources.

A bioassay technique was devised in which metallic toxicants were administered to chick embryos by "needle tract" injection into the yolk sac. This provided more uniform distribution of test metals throughout the yolk mass than can be obtained by conventional yolk sac injection methods, and gave more sensitivity and uniformity …