1.1 This guide describes procedures for obtaining laboratory data concerning the acute toxicity of chemicals and aqueous effluents released into fresh, estuarine or marine waters. Acute toxicity is measured by exposing Brachionus newly hatched from cysts to a series of toxicant concentrations under controlled conditions. This guide describes a test for using B. calyciflorus, a freshwater rotifer, and the Appendix describes modifications of this test for estuarine and marine waters using B. plicatilis. These procedures lead to an estimation of acute toxicity, including the concentration expected to kill 50 % of the test rotifers (LC50) in 24 h. Procedures not specifically stated in this guide should be conducted in accordance with Guide E729 and Guide E1192.

1.2 Modifications of these procedures might be justified by special needs or circumstances. Although using appropriate procedures is more important than following prescribed procedures, the results of tests conducted using modified procedures might not be comparable to rotifer acute tests that follow the protocol described here. Comparison of the results using modified procedures might provide useful information concerning new concepts and procedures for conducting acute toxicity tests on chemicals and aqueous effluents.

1.3 This guide is organized as follows:

1.4 These procedures are applicable to most chemicals, either individually or in formulations, commercial products, or mixtures. This guide can also be used to investigate the effects on rotifer survival of pH, hardness, and salinity and on materials such as aqueous effluents, leachates, oils, particulate matter, sediments, and surface waters. This guide might not be appropriate for materials with high oxygen demand, with high volatility, subject to rapid biological or chemical transformation or those readily sorb to test chambers.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazards statements, see Section 8.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.