Assessment of sediment quality with a bioassay battery

A comprehensive study on the assessment of water quality in Switzerland shows that chemical measurements and bioassays complement each other. While risks to fish were detected more sensitively with bioassays, chemical analysis was the more sensitive method for risks to invertebrates from pyrethroid insecticides. The Ecotox Centre proposes a bioassay battery for routine testing.

Biomarkers detect effects of pollutants on wildlife early and sensitively and complement chemical measurements. Further studies on the natural variability of the method are needed.