Toxicity test with algae--a discussion on the batch method.

Toxicity tests with phytoplankton have been used for only a couple of decades. Proposals for international standards with their wide acceptance have been prepared by OECD, EPA, and ISO. The different procedures show relatively good agreement but, simultaneously, there are also common features which do not appear appropriate and which should be subjected to a critical examination. The present paper consists of a survey of different aspects of the so-called batch method--ranging from the test organism to the reporting of results, together with recommendations for improved technology.