In this study, we assessed the acute and chronic toxicity
of sediments contaminated by bleached kraft pulp mill effluent (BKME).
Sediments were collected in August 1991 and 1992, and May 1993 from eight
stations exposed directly to the effluent and from four reference sites.
Acute toxicity was determined for five macroinvertebrates (Hyalella
azteca, Daphnia magna, Chironomus riparius, Hexagenia spp., and
Tubifex tubifex) using pore water, elutriate, and bulk sediment
exposures. Chronic toxicity was assessed using C. tentans and H.
azteca (growth and survival) and D. magna and T. tubifex
(reproduction) in bulk sediment exposures. Mortality declined with decreasing
proximity to the outfall; acute toxicity (>20% mortality after 48 h)
was observed at the two stations closest to the outfall (300 and 400 m). At
300 m, pore water was consistently more toxic than elutriate or bulk sediment
phases, resulting in 100% mortality for all invertebrates except
T. tubifex (23%). Elutriate exposures were toxic to C.
riparius (88%), D. magna (54%), and
Hexagenia (47%), but not H. azteca. Bulk sediments
were toxic to Hexagenia (100%) and D. magna
(88%), but not to C. riparius or H. azteca. In chronic
tests, mortality in H. azteca and T. tubifex was highest at
300 and 400 m, indicating that toxicity observed in the short-term aqueous
exposures adequately predicted long-term toxicity in bulk sediments. In both
acute and chronic tests, mortality was significantly correlated with the
concentration of extractable organic chlorines (EOCl) in the sediment, with
LC50 values ranging from 4500 to 5500 mg EOCl/kg organic carbon. Growth of
C. tentans larvae was depressed at 300 and 400 m in August 91 but
enhanced in May 93 relative to the reference sites. Growth of H.
azteca also declined near the outfall in August 91 sediments and was
approximately one half that observed in 92/93 sediments; however, growth did
not differ among stations in 92 or 93. Reproductive output in D.
magna (neonates) and T. tubifex (cocoons) was highest at 300 and
400 m. In T. tubifex, the number of hatched young was lowest at these
stations. This study provides evidence that toxicity may occur in sediments
exposed to BKME, and emphasizes the need to incorporate sediment toxicity
bioassessment as part of efforts directed toward remedial action in the pulp
and paper industry.
