Sediment/ Terrestrial Toxicity

CANTEST offers a full range of sediment and terrestrial toxicity tests, following test methods recommended by Environment Canada, United States EPA, Puget Sound Estuary Program (PSEP), Puget Sound Dredge Disposal Analysis (PSDDA), American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), and United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE).

Sediment Toxicity Testing

• Whole sediment
• Pore water
• Elutriate

Freshwater Testing

• Hyalella survival and growth 
• Chronomid larval growth and survival
• Oligochaete worm acute, chronic or bioaccumulation

Marine and Estuarine Testing

• Amphipod survival or reburial
• Amphipod 28 day 
• Polychaete worm acute and chronic tests
• Echinoderm and bivalve fertilization
• Echinoderm and bivalve larval development
• Bivalve bioaccumulation
• Solid phase Microtox®

Ocean Disposal Testing - CEPA 1999

Some material that is disposed of in the ocean may adversely affect marine organisms. Sediment samples may be tested for acute and sublethal toxicity using three recommended tests:

• Solid phase Microtox®
• 10 day marine amphipod
• Echinoderm fertilization

In addition to contaminant effects, several factors can influence test results, for example: fine grain size and toxic levels of ammonia or sulphide in marine sediments.

Terrestrial Toxicity Testing

• Earthworm acute lethality and subchronic toxicity or bioaccumulation
• Springtail toxicity tests
• Tier I and II seedling emergence
• Seed germination and root elongation toxicity 
• Tier I and II vegetative vigor toxicity