Chironomid Toxicity Test Using Spiked Sediment (OECD TG 218) or Spiked Water (OECD TG 219)

Abstract

358. Modality detected/endpoints: This medium-term in vivo assay with the dipteran insect Chironomus spp. is responsive to juvenile hormone (JH) (ant)agonists and ecdysteroid (Ec) (ant)agonists which can interfere with such processes as metamorphosis, moulting and growth (e.g. Hahn, Liess and Schulz [2001]; Taenzler et al. [2007]; Jungmann et al. [2009]; Tassou and Schulz [2009, 2013]). It exposes the test organisms over a single generation. It is important to note, however, that none of the endpoints in this apical test are specifically responsive to JHor Ec-active chemicals, and the assay will give positive results with many other substances. The lack of internationally validated mechanistic assays for endocrine activity in insects may prevent firm conclusions about whether test chemicals are endocrine disrupters (EDs) in this taxon, although in vitro assays for JH and estrogen (E) activity are available in the literature. However, the data from the test may nevertheless be of value for classification and hazard identification/characterisation.