Overview
EN ISO 10710:2013 (identical to ISO 10710:2010) specifies a standardized growth inhibition test using the marine and brackish macroalga Ceramium tenuicorne to assess the toxic effect of waterborne substances and wastewater. The method quantifies inhibition of algal growth in seawater or brackish water with salinities between 4S and 32S, and is primarily applicable to substances that are easily soluble in water. The test is widely used in water quality and ecotoxicology to evaluate impacts on coastal and estuarine primary producers.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Test organism: Female gametophyte clones of Ceramium tenuicorne (recommended clones: 7S - Baltic, and 20S/30S - Oslo fjord). Clones are chosen according to test salinity (Baltic clone adapted for ~4S–12S; marine clone for ~12S–32S).
- Principle: Tips from monocultures are exposed to a range of test concentrations; after a 7-day incubation the increase in algal length is measured and growth rate (µ) calculated. Growth inhibition is expressed relative to controls.
- Test conditions: Use of defined growth medium (natural or artificial seawater plus nutrients). Selection of natural versus artificial seawater depends on whether the aim is general toxicity comparison or site-specific impact assessment.
- Endpoints and evaluation: Calculation of ECx (effective concentration causing x% inhibition), statistical treatment of growth-rate data, and acceptance/validity criteria for control growth.
- Materials and quality: Use reagents of recognized analytical grade; maintain unialgal, non-axenic cultures and perform regular subculturing. Tests should be run by trained personnel under standard laboratory safety practices.
- Scope limits: Applicable mainly to water-soluble substances; guidance exists for modifications to test poorly soluble materials, volatile compounds, metals, and sediments when combined with other ISO methods.
Applications and Users
- Environmental and aquatic toxicology laboratories performing algal bioassays and water-quality compliance testing.
- Regulatory agencies assessing wastewater effluent, coastal discharges, and chemical registration (ecotoxicity dossiers).
- Research groups studying impacts of contaminants on near-coastal ecosystems, food webs, and habitat quality.
- Water monitoring programs that require standardized, reproducible measures of chemical effects on primary producers.
Related Standards
- ISO 10710:2010 - original international text (adopted as EN ISO 10710:2013 by CEN)
- ISO 8692, ISO 14442, ISO 5667‑16 - referenced for related algal test methods, adaptations and sampling modifications
- ISO/TC 147 and CEN/TC 230 - technical committees responsible for water quality standards
Keywords: EN ISO 10710:2013, water quality, growth inhibition test, Ceramium tenuicorne, marine macroalga, brackish water, algal bioassay, salinity, ECx, ecotoxicology.