THE EFFECTS OF WATER HARDNESS, Ph, CHLORIDE AND SULFATE SALTS, AND DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER ON THE TOXICITY OF SILVER TO FATHEAD MINNOWS (PIMEPHALES PROMELAS)

Abstract

A relationship between water hardness and the toxicity of silver to aquatic organisms was reported in the National Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life for Silver document (EPA 440/5-80-071 or PB81- 117822) released in 1980. At the present time, the data are insufficient to use the hardness modification for the revision of the criteria. The purpose of this study is to determine if a relationship between water hardness and silver toxicity exists for juvenile fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and, if it does, what is the extent of its i fluence on silver toxicity?