Abstract: 8112 A. Introduction

Phytoplankton are primary producers in the aquatic community and, as such, are at the base of aquatic food chains. Because of this, they must be tested in bioassays that predict and determine the potential effects of a substance on the aquatic environment. The same general principles and techniques used in determining biostimulation (Section 8111) are used to determine toxicity to phytoplankton. The procedure applies to fresh water, estuarine, and marine phytoplankton. See Sections 10200 A–J, 10100 and 10151 for more information on phytoplankton.