Chapter 9
Application to the Whole Effluent Toxicity
Test
Yuhei Inamori, Ryuhei Inamori, Kazuhito Murakami, and Yuzuru Kimochi
Abstract In Japan, evaluation methods have been developed for the introduction of
the WET test. However, the WET test is a test for a single species, as typified by
Daphnia magna and Danio rerio. For this reason, biological interactions are not
considered, and it is possible that this will cause impact assessments to differ from
the conditions in natural ecosystems. Therefore, we aimed to further develop and
verify the WET test using the microcosm. In addition to the single-species test using
species belonging to different niches (ecological roles), such as fish, crustaceans, and
algae, the microcosm test was conducted as a multiple-species test correlated with a
natural ecosystem. It was necessary to construct a comprehensive test method based
upon the concepts of ecological impact assessments. The microcosm test can also be
incorporated as an expanded test along with a single-species test if necessary.
9.1 Necessity of the Microcosm Test for WET
Impact assessments at the ecosystem level utilizing aquatic model ecosystems,
including a microcosm, are well understood, but focus on the WET test method
utilizing a microcosm as a wastewater management method is needed. In parallel
with a single-species test using species belonging to different niches, such as fish,
crustaceans, and algae, microcosm tests are positioned as multiple-species tests.
They may be correlated with natural ecosystems, and it is essential to construct
these systems as comprehensive test methods based on ecological impact
assessment.
Y. Inamori (*) · R. Inamori
Foundation for Advancement of International Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
e-mail: y_inamori@fais.or.jp; r_inamori@fais.or.jp
K. Murakami
Chiba Institute of Technology, Narashino, Chiba, Japan
e-mail: kazuhito.murakami@p.chibakoudai.jp
Y. Kimochi
Center for Environmental Science in Saitama, Kazo, Saitama, Japan
e-mail: kimochi.yuzuru@pref.saitama.lg.jp
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
Y. Inamori (ed.), Microcosm Manual for Environmental Impact Risk Assessment,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6798-4_9
167
Application to the Whole Effluent Toxicity
Test
Yuhei Inamori, Ryuhei Inamori, Kazuhito Murakami, and Yuzuru Kimochi
Abstract In Japan, evaluation methods have been developed for the introduction of
the WET test. However, the WET test is a test for a single species, as typified by
Daphnia magna and Danio rerio. For this reason, biological interactions are not
considered, and it is possible that this will cause impact assessments to differ from
the conditions in natural ecosystems. Therefore, we aimed to further develop and
verify the WET test using the microcosm. In addition to the single-species test using
species belonging to different niches (ecological roles), such as fish, crustaceans, and
algae, the microcosm test was conducted as a multiple-species test correlated with a
natural ecosystem. It was necessary to construct a comprehensive test method based
upon the concepts of ecological impact assessments. The microcosm test can also be
incorporated as an expanded test along with a single-species test if necessary.
9.1 Necessity of the Microcosm Test for WET
Impact assessments at the ecosystem level utilizing aquatic model ecosystems,
including a microcosm, are well understood, but focus on the WET test method
utilizing a microcosm as a wastewater management method is needed. In parallel
with a single-species test using species belonging to different niches, such as fish,
crustaceans, and algae, microcosm tests are positioned as multiple-species tests.
They may be correlated with natural ecosystems, and it is essential to construct
these systems as comprehensive test methods based on ecological impact
assessment.
Y. Inamori (*) · R. Inamori
Foundation for Advancement of International Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
e-mail: y_inamori@fais.or.jp; r_inamori@fais.or.jp
K. Murakami
Chiba Institute of Technology, Narashino, Chiba, Japan
e-mail: kazuhito.murakami@p.chibakoudai.jp
Y. Kimochi
Center for Environmental Science in Saitama, Kazo, Saitama, Japan
e-mail: kimochi.yuzuru@pref.saitama.lg.jp
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
Y. Inamori (ed.), Microcosm Manual for Environmental Impact Risk Assessment,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6798-4_9
167