United States

Environmental Protection 

Agency

Office of Chemical Safety

and Pollution Prevention

(7101)

EPA 712-C-005

January 2012

Ecological Effects

Test Guidelines

OCSPP 850.4550:

Cyanobacteria 

(Anabaena flos-aquae) 

Toxicity
i

NOTICE

This guideline is one of a series of test guidelines established by the United States 

Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention 

(OCSPP) for use in testing pesticides and chemical substances to develop data for 

submission to the Agency under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (15 U.S.C. 2601, 

et seq.), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 136, et 

seq.), and section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic (FFDCA) (21 U.S.C. 346a). 

Prior to April 22, 2010, OCSPP was known as the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic 

Substances (OPPTS). To distinguish these guidelines from guidelines issued by other 

organizations, the numbering convention adopted in 1994 specifically included OPPTS as 

part of the guideline’s number. Any test guidelines developed after April 22, 2010 will use 

the new acronym (OCSPP) in their title.

The OCSPP harmonized test guidelines serve as a compendium of accepted scientific 

methodologies and protocols that are intended to provide data to inform regulatory decisions 

under TSCA, FIFRA, and/or FFDCA. This document provides guidance for conducting the 

test, and is also used by EPA, the public, and the companies that are subject to data 

submission requirements under TSCA, FIFRA, and/or the FFDCA. As a guidance 

document, these guidelines are not binding on either EPA or any outside parties, and the 

EPA may depart from the guidelines where circumstances warrant and without prior notice. 

At places in this guidance, the Agency uses the word “should.” In this guidance, the use of 

“should” with regard to an action means that the action is recommended rather than 

mandatory. The procedures contained in this guideline are strongly recommended for 

generating the data that are the subject of the guideline, but EPA recognizes that departures 

may be appropriate in specific situations. You may propose alternatives to the 

recommendations described in these guidelines, and the Agency will assess them for 

appropriateness on a case-by-case basis.

For additional information about these test guidelines and to access these guidelines 

electronically, please go to http://www.epa.gov/ocspp and select “Test Methods & 

Guidelines” on the left side navigation menu. You may also access the guidelines in 

http://www.regulations.gov grouped by Series under Docket ID #s: EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-

0150 through EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-0159, and EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-0576.
Page 1 of 24

OCSPP 850.4550: Cyanobacteria (Anabaena flos-aquae) toxicity.

(a) Scope—

(1) Applicability. This guideline is intended to be used to help develop data to submit to 

EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (15 U.S.C. 2601, et seq.), the 

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 136, et seq.), and 

the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) (21 U.S.C. 346a).

(2) Background. The source materials used in developing this harmonized OCSPP test 

guideline include the OPPT guideline under 40 CFR 797.1050 Algal Acute Toxicity Test; 

OPP 122-2 Growth and Reproduction of Aquatic Plants (Tier 1) and OPP 123-2 Growth 

and Reproduction of Aquatic Plants (Tier 2) (Pesticide Assessment Guidelines 

Subdivision J); Non-target Plants: Growth and Reproduction of Aquatic Plants – Tiers 1 

and 2 Standard Evaluation Procedure; OECD 201 Algal Growth Inhibition Test; ASTM E 

1218-04, Standard Guide for Conducting Static 96-h Toxicity Tests with Microalga; and 

Pesticides Reregistration Rejection Rate Analysis: Ecological Effects. This guideline was 

formerly part of Public Draft OCSPP 850.5400 (April, 1996).

(b) Purpose. This guideline is intended for use in developing data on the toxicity of chemical 

substances and mixtures (“test chemicals” or “test substances”) subject to environmental effects 

test regulations, and was written specifically for the cyanobacterium species Anabaena flosaquae (formerly classified as a blue-green alga). This guideline prescribes test procedures and 

conditions designed to determine the inhibition of growth and the pattern of growth of 

cyanobacteria exposed to a test substance. The Environmental Protection Agency will use data 

from this test in assessing the hazards and risks a test substance may present in the aquatic 

environment. This guideline should be used in conjunction with OCSPP 850.1000 (Background 

and special considerations for conducting ecological effects tests with aquatic and sedimentdwelling fauna and aquatic microcosms), which provides general information for conducting 

toxicity tests in an aqueous matrix, and OCSPP 850.4000 (Background and special 

considerations for conducting ecological effects tests with terrestrial and aquatic plants, 

cyanobacteria, and terrestrial soil core microcosms), which provides information on conducting 

toxicity tests with nontarget plants.

(c) Definitions. The definitions in OCSPP 850.1000 and OCSPP 850.4000 are applicable to this 

guideline. In addition, the more specific definitions in this paragraph also apply:

Algicidal refers to having the property of killing algae. For this test, the term is also 

extended to cyanobacteria.

Algicidal concentration is the lowest concentration tested which allows no net growth of 

the population of test organisms during either exposure to the test substance or during the 

recovery period in the absence of test substance.

Algistatic refers to having the property of inhibiting algal growth. For this test, the term 

is also extended to cyanobacteria.
Page 2 of 24

Algistatic concentration is the highest concentration tested which allows no net growth of 

the population of test organisms during exposure to the test substance but permits 

regrowth when the organisms are placed in test substance-free medium. 

Biomass is to the dry weight of living matter present in a population and expressed in 

terms of a given volume, e.g. mg per liter. Because dry weight is difficult to measure 

accurately, surrogate measure of biomass, such as cell counts, are typically used in this 

test. 

Growth refers to an increase in cyanobacterial biomass in a specified period of time.

Static system for this test refers to a system in which old nutrient medium (test solution) 

is not renewed or replaced during the period of the test.

(d) General considerations―

(1) Summary of the test. Organisms of the species Anabaena flos-aquae are maintained 

under static conditions in test vessels containing nutrient medium alone and nutrient 

medium to which the test substance has been added. Over an exposure period of 96 

hours, data on population growth (cell density) are obtained on a daily basis. The test is 

designed to determine the quantity of test substance that results in a 50 percent inhibition 

(IC50) in each of biomass yield, growth rate, and the area under the growth curve. The 

results of the test are expressed as 96-hour median inhibition concentration (IC50) values. 

In addition, the no observed effect concentration (NOEC) for these response measures are 

also determined. The results are used to establish toxicity levels, evaluate hazards or 

risks to cyanobacteria, and to trigger further testing at a higher tier. Note historically in 

OCSPP pesticide and industrial chemical guidelines the term ECx was used to cover both 

the current OCSPP 850.4000 definition of ECx (concentration where x percent (x%) of 

the population exhibit the effect (e.g., mortality)) and ICx (concentration resulting in an 

x% decrease or inhibition effect on an attribute of the population (e.g., growth rate)).

(2) General test guidance. The general guidance in OCSPP 850.4000 and OCSPP

850.1000 applies to this guideline except as specifically noted herein.

(3) Range-finding test. A range-finding test is usually conducted to establish the 

appropriate test solution concentrations for the definitive test. In the range-finding test, 

the test organisms are exposed to a series of widely-spaced concentrations of the test 

substance (e.g., 0.1, 1.0, 10, 100 milligrams per liter (mg/L), etc.). The details of the 

range-finding test do not have to be the same as the definitive testing in that there are no 

replicates, and the number of test organisms used, and duration of exposure may be less 

than in definitive testing. In addition, the types and frequency of observations made on 

test organisms are not as detailed or as frequently observed as that of a definitive test and 

results are analyzed using nominal concentrations. However, the range-finding test will 

be more useful the greater the similarity between the range-finding and the definitive test.

(4) Definitive test. The goal of the definitive test is to determine for A. flos-aquae the 

concentration-response curves for biomass yield, growth rate and the area under the 

growth curve, and the 96-hour IC50 value and NOEC value for each of these effects (with 
Page 3 of 24

95% confidence intervals and standard error). The slopes of the concentration-response 

curves, associated standard errors and the 95% confidence interval of the slopes should 

be determined for all of these effects, if possible. However, at a minimum, the full 

concentration-response curve (curve between IC05 and IC90) is determined for the most 

sensitive measure of effect using a minimum of five concentrations of the test chemical, 

plus appropriate controls. For a satisfactory test, the lowest treatment concentration is

below the IC50 value for all measures of effect and is at or below the NOEC (or IC05) for 

all measures of effect. Analytical confirmation of test concentrations is performed as 

described in OCSPP 850.1000. A summary of test conditions is provided in Table 2 of 

this guideline and validity elements for an acceptable definitive test are listed in Table 3 

of this guideline.

(5) Limit test. In some situations, it is only necessary to ascertain that both the 96-hour 

IC50 value for yield, growth rate, and area under the growth curve are above a certain 

limit concentration and that at this concentration there is no observable adverse effect on 

growth. For pesticides, a limit test has also been referred to as a Tier I test or Maximum 

Challenge Concentration test. In the cyanobacteria limit test, at least four replicate test 

vessels are exposed to a single “limit concentration,” with the same number of test 

vessels containing the appropriate control solution(s). The multiple-concentration 

definitive test may be waived if the following two conditions are met for yield, average 

specific growth rate and area under the growth curve. First, the “limit” treatment 

response is both statistically less than a 50% decrease from the control response (i.e., IC50

> limit concentration), and second, the limit treatment responses are not significantly 

reduced or (or inhibited) as compared to the control responses (i.e., NOEC > limit 

concentration). For most industrial chemicals, 1,000 mg/L (milligrams per liter), or the 

limits of water solubility or dispersion, are considered appropriate as the limit 

concentration. For pesticides, the limit concentration is equivalent to the maximum label 

rate (lbs a.i./A) dissolved in a one acre pool that is 6 inches deep (21,280 cubic feet (ft

3

) 

or 602,581 liters). For example, a 1 lb a.i./A (453,592 milligrams (mg) a.i. per acre) 

application rate and assuming a water density of 1 gram per milliliter would have a limit 

concentration of 0.75 milligrams per liter (mg/L). Except for the number of treatment 

groups, an acceptable limit test follows the same test procedures, is the same duration, 

and has the same number of controls as the multi-concentration definitive test (Table 3 of 

this guideline). Acceptable limit tests like definitive tests include analytical confirmation 

of the test exposure concentration.

(e) Test standards―

(1) Test substance. For industrial chemicals, the substance to be tested should be 

technical grade unless the test is designed to test a specific formulation, mixture, or enduse product. For pesticides, the use of the typical end-use product (TEP) instead of the 

technical grade active ingredient (TGAI) is preferred for all aquatic plant phytotoxicity

tests. If there is more than one TEP with the same inert substances, the one with the 

highest percent a.i. and/or the one most commonly used should be tested. If there is more 

than one TEP with different inert substances, a TEP representative of each different inert 

substance should be tested in the range-finding test and at a minimum the most sensitive 

one tested in the definitive or limit test. Adjuvants are not used with TEP or TGAI 
Page 4 of 24

testing of algae. OCSPP 850.1000 and OCSPP 850.4000 list the type of information that 

should be known about the test substance before testing, and discuss methods for 

preparation of test substances. OCSPP 850.1000 and OCSPP 850.4000 list the type of 

information that should be known about the test substance before testing, and discuss 

methods for preparation of test substances.

(2) Test duration. The test duration is a minimum of 96 hours.

(3) Test organism―

(i) Species. The test organism for this test is the cyanobacterium Anabaena flosaquae, formerly classified as a blue-green alga. The clone of cyanobacteria used 

should be specified.

(ii) Source. A. flos-aquae to be used in toxicity tests may be initially obtained 

from commercial sources and subsequently cultured using sterile technique. All 

cyanobacteria used for a particular test should be from the same source and the 

same stock culture. Upon receipt of a culture of a species not previously 

maintained in a facility, a period of six weeks culturing in the test facility is 

recommended to establish the ability to successfully maintain a healthy, 

reproducible-growing culture. 

(iii) Age. The inoculum to begin the toxicity test should be from logarithmicallygrowing stock cultures (typically 3- to 7-days old). 

(iv) Condition. A culture should not be used for starting a test under the 

following conditions:

(A) If it is not in the log growth phase;

(B) If visual examination at 400 power shows it is contaminated by fungi, 

algae, or other cyanobacteria, or if the health of the culture is doubtful in 

any respect.

(C) If the test cyanobacteria were used in a previous test, either in a 

treatment or a control.

(v) Culturing procedures. 

(A) Cultures should be maintained in a freshwater medium as described in 

paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(3), and (j)(6) of this guideline. The cultures should 

be maintained under the same conditions as used for testing.

(B) Aseptic stock transfer should be performed on a regular schedule (e.g., 

once or twice weekly) to maintain a supply of cells in or near the 

logarithmic growth phase. Long-term maintenance of cultures on a solid 

medium containing 1% agar in sterile Petri plates or test tubes may be 

desirable. However for a satisfactory test, the inoculum used to initiate 
Page 5 of 24

toxicity testing should be from a liquid culture shown to be actively

growing (i.e. capable of logarithmic growth within the test period) in at 

least two subcultures lasting 7 days each prior to the start of the definitive 

test.

(4) Administration of test substance―

i) Preparation of test solutions―

(A) Stock solutions or direct addition. Test solutions are prepared by

adding the test substance to the nutrient medium either directly or by 

addition of a stock solution. Typically, a stock solution of the test 

substance is prepared and aliquots of the stock solution added to medium 

to obtain the desired test concentrations. Guidance for preparation of test 

solutions, especially for difficult or low solubility test substances, is 

provided in OCSPP 850.1000.

(B) Solvents. The preferred solvent for this toxicity test is N,Ndimethylformamide, as solvents such as acetone can cause stimulation of 

unwanted bacterial growth. The concentration of solvent should 

preferably be the same in all test treatments and should not exceed 0.1 

milliliters per liter (mL/L).

(C) Stock solution pH adjustment. The pH may be adjusted in stock 

solutions to match the pH of the medium if pH change does not affect the 

stability of the test substance in the stock solution or test solution. 

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) may be used for 

this adjustment if warranted. The pH should not be adjusted after the 

addition of the test substance or stock solution into the test medium except 

as discussed in paragraph (e)(9)(iv)(C)(2) of this guideline.

(D) Exposure technique. This test is conducted using a static exposure 

technique. Although semi-continuous culturing techniques are available, 

they have not been commonly employed in toxicity testing with algae or 

other microorganisms and their use is not required.

(ii) Treatment levels. At a minimum five test solution concentrations are tested 

for multi-concentration definitive testing, plus the appropriate control(s). A

range-finding test can be used to establish the appropriate test solution 

concentrations for the definitive test (see paragraph (d)(3) of this guideline). For 

scientifically sound estimates of a given point estimate (e.g., IC50), test substance

concentrations should immediately bracket the point estimate(s) of concern. The 

concentrations should be a geometric progression of twofold at a minimum (e.g., 

0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 milligrams per liter (mg/L)). While a twofold 

progression is preferred, threefold and fourfold progressions are acceptable. If a 

fourfold or higher series progression is used, the rationale for using this large an

interval between concentrations and the effect on the accuracy and reproducibility 
Page 6 of 24

of the point estimate and NOEC should be provided. For an acceptable study, the 

lowest test treatment level should be lower than the IC50 values for yield and 

average specific growth rate based on cell density. The lack of a NOEC for an 

effect measure is not critical as long as the response-curve for the effect measure 

is acceptable for calculation of the 5% inhibition concentration (IC05). It is 

recommend that one or two additional test concentrations in the lower tail of the 

concentration-response curve of the most sensitive endpoint be added to ensure 

bracketing of both the more sensitive yield or average specific growth rate IC50

value and the most sensitive NOEC. For a limit test, there is single treatment 

concentration, plus the appropriate control(s). Guidance on the limit 

concentration is provided in paragraph (d)(5) of this guideline.

(iii) Introduction of test organisms. 

(A) In preparation for the test, appropriate volumes of nutrient medium 

and/or test solution are placed in the test vessels. Within 30 minutes 

cyanobacteria are then introduced into the test vessels, which are 

subsequently placed in a growth chamber or a laboratory testing area. 

Inoculum should be impartially or randomly distributed among the test 

vessels in such a manner that test results show no significant bias from the 

distributions.

(B) Test vessels within the testing area are positioned in a random manner 

or in a way in which appropriate statistical analyses can be used to 

determine the variation due to placement. Because illumination may vary 

at different positions within the growth chamber, and since this parameter 

has an important influence on growth, it is recommended that the test 

vessels be randomly re-positioned each day.

(5) Controls. 

(i) Every test includes a negative control consisting of the same nutrient medium, 

conditions, procedures, and test organisms from the same culture, except that 

none of the test substance is added. In addition, vehicle (solvent) controls are also 

included if a solvent is used to dissolve or suspend the test substance.

(ii) At test termination the coefficient of variation for mean control yield should 

generally be less than 20% and it should be less than 12% for growth rate, which 

is a logarithmically-transformed variable.

(6) Inoculum concentration and number of replicates. The minimum number of 

replicates per test treatment and control is four to provide acceptable confidence in the 

results and to conduct the statistical hypothesis tests. Each test vessel should be 

inoculated at an initial population density to allow sufficient growth under the test 

conditions to allow accurate quantification without resulting in nutrient or carbon dioxide 

limitation. Recommended initial population density is 10,000 cells per milliliter 

(cells/mL). These concentrations are known to result in acceptable population densities 
Page 7 of 24

at the end of 96 hours under the specified test parameters. Each test vessel should 

contain an equal volume of test solution and the same initial inoculum volume and 

concentration. The volume of inoculum used should not dilute the test solution (i.e., 

should typically be less than 2 mL). The volume of inoculum to be added to each vessel 

is calculated based upon the cell concentration in the stock solution, the volume in the 

test vessel, and the desired initial cell concentration.

(7) Facilities, apparatus and supplies—

(i) Containers for culturing and testing cyanobacteria. Erlenmeyer flasks 

should be used for test vessels. The flasks may be of any volume between 125 

and 500 milliliters (mL) as long as the same size is used throughout a test and the 

test solution volume does not exceed 50% of the flask volume. To permit gas 

exchange but prevent contamination, the flasks should be covered with foam 

plugs, stainless steel caps, Shimadzu enclosures, glass caps or screw caps. 

Containers and covers that may contact the test solution should be chosen to 

minimize sorption of test substance, and not contain substances that can be 

leached or dissolved into aqueous solutions in quantities that can affect the test 

results. The acceptability of foam plugs should be investigated prior to use 

because some brands have been found to be toxic. For a satisfactory test all test 

vessels and covers in a test are identical.

(ii) Growth chamber or laboratory environment. 

(A) A growth chamber or a laboratory environment that can hold the test 

vessels and will maintain the air temperature, lighting intensity, and 

photoperiod specified in this test guideline.

(B) Facilities should be well ventilated and free of fumes that may affect 

the test organisms. Construction materials and equipment that may 

contact the stock solution, test solution, or nutrient medium should not 

contain substances that can be leached or dissolved into aqueous solutions 

in quantities that can affect the test results. Refer to OCSPP 850.1000 for 

additional information on appropriate construction materials.

(iii) Environmental monitoring equipment. Equipment for determination of 

test environmental conditions (e.g., pH meter, photosynthetically active radiation 

(PAR) light meter, etc.).

(iv) Cleaning and sterilization. Apparatus for preparing sterile nutrient media. 

Apparatus for sterilizing glassware and maintaining aseptic technique during 

culturing and testing. New test vessels may contain substances that inhibit growth 

of algae. They are therefore to be cleaned thoroughly and used several times to 

culture algae before being used in toxicity testing. All glassware used in algal 

culturing or testing is to be cleaned and sterilized prior to use.

(v) Microscope. Microscope capable of 100 to 400 power magnification.
Page 8 of 24

(vi) Algal cell counting equipment. An apparatus for enumerating algae, e.g., 

hemacytometer, plankton counting chamber, or electronic particle counter. An 

alternative method to performing cell counts is to determine the chlorophyll a

concentration through spectrophotometric or fluorometric methods, as described 

in the reference in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(6) of this guideline.

(vii) Nutrient medium. 

(A) Water used for preparation of nutrient medium should be of reagent 

quality (e.g., ASTM Type I water). Freshwater algal nutrient medium is 

prepared by adding specified amounts of reagent-grade chemicals to 

reagent water. 

(B) Formulation and sterilization of nutrient medium used for culturing 

and preparation of test solutions should conform to those currently 

recommended by ASTM for freshwater algal toxicity tests described in

Table 1 and in the reference in paragraph (j)(1) of this guideline. 

Chelating agents (e.g. ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)) are 

included in the nutrient medium for optimum cell growth. Lower 

concentrations of chelating agents (down to one-third of the normal 

concentration recommended for AAP medium) may be used in the nutrient 

medium used for test solution preparation if it is suspected that the 

chelater will interact with the test substance. Nutrient medium should be 

freshly prepared for toxicity testing or may be stored under refrigeration in 

the dark at 4 degrees Celsius (

oC). Nutrient medium should be sterilized 

by autoclaving or filtering (0.22 micrometer (μm) membrane filter). At 

the start of the test, the pH of the nutrient medium should be 7.5 ± 0.1. 

The pH may be adjusted prior to addition of the test substance with 0.1 

normal (N) or 1N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or hydrochloric acid (HCl).

(8) Environmental conditions. Environmental conditions during the test should be 

maintained as specified in paragraphs (e)(8)(i) through (e)(8)(iii) and referenced in 

paragraph (j)(7) of this guideline:

(i) Temperature. The test temperature is 24 oC. Excursions from the test 

temperature should be no greater than ± 2 oC. Temperature monitoring frequency 

and location of monitoring is described in paragraph (e)(9)(iv)(A) of this 

guideline.

(ii) Lighting and photoperiod. Test vessels are illuminated continuously, using 

cool-white fluorescent lights providing 30 micromoles per square meter per 

second (μmolm

2

/s). For cool-white fluorescent lighting, this is approximately

equivalent to 2150 lux. The light intensity should not vary more than ± 15% from 

the selected light intensity at any test vessel position in the incubator or growth 

chamber. Monitoring frequency and location of monitoring is described in 

paragraph (e)(9)(iv)(B) of this guideline. Additional information on the use of 
Page 9 of 24

lighting in laboratory toxicity tests can be found in the references given in OCSPP

850.4000.

(iii) Shaking. Culture and test vessels should be shaken by hand once or twice 

daily. Continuous shaking usually results in clumping of the cells.

Table 1.—Preparation of Medium for Cyanobacteria

This medium (referred to as AAP medium) is prepared by adding 1 milliliter (mL) of each of the 

macronutrient stock solutions and 1 mL of the micronutrient stock solution listed in this table to 

approximately 900 mL reagent grade water and then diluting to 1 liter (L).

Macronutrient stock solutions are made by dissolving into 500 mL of reagent grade water: 

 Sodium nitrate (NaNO3) - 12.750 grams (g)

 Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl2 • 6H2O) - 6.082 g

 Calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2 • 2H2O) - 2.205 g

 Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO4 • 7H2O) - 7.350 g

 Potassium phosphate (K2HPO4) - 0.522 g

 Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) - 7.500 g

The micronutrient stock solution is made by dissolving into 500 mL of reagent grade water:

 Boric acid (H3BO3) - 92.760 milligrams (mg)

 Manganese chloride tetrathydrate (MnCl2 • 4H2O) - 207.690 mg

 Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) - 1.635 mg

 Ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3 • 6H2O) - 79.880 mg

 Cobalt chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2 • 6H2O) - 0.714 mg

 Sodium molybdate dihydrate (Na2MoO4 • 2H2O) - 3.630 mg

 Copper chloride dihydrate (CuCl2 • 2H2O) - 0.006 mg [Typically must be prepared by serial dilution].

 Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate (Na2EDTA • 2H2O) - 150.000 mg 

Adjust pH to 7.5 ± 0.1 with 0.1 N or 1.0 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or hydrochloric acid (HCl).

Filter the media into a sterile container through a 0.22 micrometer (μm) membrane filter. Store medium in 

the dark at approximately 4 degrees Celsius (oC) until use.

(9) Observations―

(i) Measurement of test substance. Analytical confirmation of dissolved test 

concentrations is performed at a minimum at test initiation and at test termination, 

as described in OCSPP 850.1000 for a static test. The analytical methods used to 

measure the amount of dissolved test substance in a sample are validated before 

the start of the test, as described in OCSPP 850.1000. Samples for analysis 

should be collected as described in OCSPP 850.1000, with this exception: at the 

end of the test and after aliquots have been removed for growth-response 

determinations, microscopic examination, mortal staining, or subculturing, the 

replicate test containers for each treatment level may be pooled into one sample. 

An aliquot of the pooled sample may then be taken and the dissolved 

concentration of test chemical in solution determined after all cells have been 

removed, either by centrifugation or filtration. The effect of centrifugation or 

filtration of cells upon recovery of the test substance should be determined during 

method validation. As an additional procedure, the mass of test substance sorbed 

to the cyanobacteria may be determined. To measure sorbed test substance, 

separate and concentrate the cells from the remaining pooled sample by 

centrifuging or filtering and measure the test substance concentration in the cell 

concentrate.
Page 10 of 24

(ii) Test solution appearance. Observations are made daily on test substance

solubility, (e.g., appearance of surface slicks, precipitates, or material adhering to 

the sides of the test vessels) and recorded.

(iii) Dilution water quality. The dilution water source used to prepare media 

should be periodically analyzed to document and characterize the hardness, 

alkalinity, pH, conductivity, total organic carbon (TOC) or chemical oxygen 

demand magnitude and variability, and to ensure that pesticides, PCBs and toxic 

metals are not present at concentrations that are considered toxic. See OCSPP

850.1000 for guidance on dilution water.

(iv) Environmental conditions―

(A) Temperature. It is impractical to measure the temperature of the 

solutions in the test vessels while maintaining axenic conditions. 

Therefore, one or two extra test vessels may be prepared for the purpose of 

measuring the solution temperature during the test. Alternatively, hourly 

measurements of the air temperature (or daily measurements of the 

maximum and minimum) are acceptable. Because the vessels are placed 

in an environmental chamber or incubator, the air temperature is more 

likely to fluctuate than the water temperature.

(B) Light intensity. Light intensity should be monitored at test initiation 

at the approximate level of the test solution at each test vessel position in 

the growth chamber or laboratory. If it is suspected during the test that 

light intensity has changed by 15% or more, monitoring of light intensity 

should be conducted daily. A photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) 

sensor is used to measure light quality. The light intensity should not vary

more than ± 15% from the selected light intensity at any test vessel 

position in the incubator or growth chamber. Because illumination may

vary at different positions, and since this environmental parameter has an 

important influence on cyanobacterial growth, it is recommended that test 

vessels be randomly re-positioned on a regular schedule (e.g., daily)

during the test to minimize spatial differences.

(C) pH. 

(1) The pH in the control(s) and test solutions is measured at test 

initiation and termination. This measurement may be made on the 

bulk test solutions at test initiation and on samples of pooled 

replicates of each test treatment at test termination provided none 

of the replicates appear to be “outliers” with respect to growth, in 

which case individual pH measurements should be made.

(2) Before addition of the inoculum, if the test substance is highly 

acidic and reduces the pH of the test solution below 5.0 at the first 

measurement, or is highly basic and increases the pH of the test 
Page 11 of 24

solution similarly, appropriate adjustments to pH should be 

considered, and the test solution measured for pH on each day of 

the test.

(v) Measures of effect―

(A) Cell count. At the end of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, at a 

minimum, cyanobacterial population density (biomass or 

enumeration of cell counts) in each test vessel is determined. Cell 

counts, for determining population density, are performed using 

direct microscopic observation or using an electronic particle 

counter. Additional confirmation measurement includes 

chlorophyll a (measured spectrophotometrically or 

fluorometrically).

(1) Sonication. A. flos-aquae grows in filaments which 

should be broken up prior to counting, regardless of the 

counting method selected. An effective method for 

reducing the length of the filaments without rupturing the 

cells is sonication. Subsamples from the test vessels should 

be sonicated for a sufficient duration to reduce the 

filaments to a length that is consistent between samples. 

The total volume of subsamples that will be needed should 

be determined before the start of the test to allow sufficient 

test solution volume to be prepared such that there are no 

significant changes in the liquid surface-to-volume ratio 

after the subsamples are removed, which can affect growth.

(2) Microscopic counting. Microscopic counting of cells 

can be performed using a hemacytometer or an inverted 

microscope with settling chambers. Precision is 

proportional to the square root of the number of cells 

counted. For microscopic counting, two samples should be 

taken from each test vessel and two counts made of each 

sample. Whenever feasible, at least 400 cells per test 

vessel should be counted in order to obtain ± 10% accuracy

at the 95% confidence level.

(3) Electronic particle counter. An alternative method to 

enumerate large numbers of cells very rapidly is to use an 

electronic particle counter. To use this method, an 

electronic particle count for a sample is converted to a cell 

count using data developed by the laboratory demonstrating 

the correlation between electronic particle counts and 

microscopic counts for the test species. Automated particle 

counting, although the most rapid and sensitive method, has 

limitations, some related to particle interferences. If the 
Page 12 of 24

test solution does not have a low background in the particle 

size range of the test species, masking errors will result. 

An additional test vessel at each concentration containing 

test substance and growth medium but no cyanobacteria 

can allow measurement of, and if needed, correction for, 

potential particle interference.

(B) Appearance and condition. Note daily any unusual cell size, 

cell shape and color differences. In addition, microscopic 

observations at test termination are performed to determine 

whether the altered growth response between controls and test 

cyanobacteria (at the concentrations of test substance

demonstrating an effect) was due to a change in relative cell 

numbers, cell sizes, or both should be noted. These observations 

are qualitative and descriptive, and are not used in endpoint 

calculations. They can be useful in determining additional effects 

of test substances.

(C) Algistatic and algicidal determination. At the end of the 

definitive test, determination of algistatic and algicidal effects may

be performed. When performed algistatic effects may be 

differentiated from algicidal effects by either Method 1 or Method 

2 described in paragraphs (e)(9)(v)(C)(1) and (e)(9)(v)(C)(2) of 

this guideline, respectively.

(1) Method 1. Add 0.5 mL of a 0.1% solution 

(weight/volume) of Evans blue stain to a 1-mL aliquot of 

cell suspension from a control test vessel and to a 1-mL 

aliquot of cell suspension from the test vessel having the 

lowest concentration of test substance which completely 

inhibited growth. If growth was not completely inhibited, 

select an aliquot of cells for staining from the test vessel 

having the highest concentration of test substance which 

inhibited growth. Wait 10 to 30 minutes, examine 

microscopically, and determine the percent of the cells 

which stain blue (indicating cell mortality). A staining 

control is also performed concurrently using heat-killed or 

formaldehyde-preserved cells; 100% of these cells should 

stain blue. Caution should be used as this method works for 

some algal species but may not work for A. flos-aquae.

(2) Method 2. Remove 0.5 mL aliquots of test solution 

containing growth-inhibited cells from each replicate test 

vessel having the lowest concentration of test substance

which completely inhibited growth. If growth was not 

completely inhibited, select aliquots from the highest 

concentration of test substance which inhibited growth. 
Page 13 of 24

Combine these aliquots into a new test vessel and add a 

sufficient volume of fresh nutrient medium to dilute the test 

substance to a concentration which does not affect growth 

(using the original test vessel size and solution volume is 

generally appropriate). Aliquots from the control test 

vessels are also transferred to clean medium. Incubate 

these subcultures under the environmental conditions used 

in the definitive test for a period of up to 9 days, and 

observe periodically (e.g., every other day) for growth 

(direct or indirect methods) to determine if the algistatic 

effect noted after the 96-hour test is reversible. This 

subculture test may be discontinued as soon as growth 

occurs.

(f) Treatment of results―

(1) Response variable calculation. Cyanobacterial population density is the biomass 

measurement normally used in this test guideline to evaluate the inhibitory and 

stimulatory effects of the test substance. Three response variables are calculated from 

cell counts: final population density, also referred to as yield, as described in paragraph 

(f)(1)(i) of this guideline; average specific growth rate, as described in (f)(1)(ii) of this 

guideline; and area under the growth curve, as described in paragraph (f)(1)(iii) in this 

guideline. 

(i) Final population density or yield. To correctly represent yield, the initial 

biomass densities should be subtracted from the final biomass values for each test 

vessel. Since the initial values are extremely small relative to the final values, this 

correction has a small impact upon the test results but is nonetheless 

recommended.

Y  b1  b0 Equation 1

where:

Y = final yield of observed biomass (cell density)

b0 = biomass (cell density) at test initiation

b1 = biomass (cell density) at test termination

(ii) Average specific growth rate. Average specific growth rate (sometimes 

called relative growth rate) is the rate of growth over a given time interval. The 

growth rate cell density for each test vessel (replicate) over a given time interval 

is calculated as given in Equation 2. At a minimum, the average specific growth 

rate is calculated for the time interval between test initiation and termination. The 

average specific growth rate during the course of the test (days 0 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 

3, etc.), also called the section-by-section growth rate, is calculated also for each 
Page 14 of 24

test vessel to assess effects on the pattern of growth of the test substance

occurring during the exposure period, such as an increased lag phase.

   

t

b b

r

j i

i j

ln  ln

  Equation 2

where:

ri j = average specific growth rate per day (day-1

) of observed biomass 

(cell density) from time i to j.

bi = observed biomass (cell density) at beginning of the observation 

interval, time i

bj = observed biomass (cell density) at end of the observation interval, 

time j

t = time interval from i to j in days

(iii) Area under the growth curve. The area under the growth curve for each 

test vessel (replicate) based on cell density is calculated using Equation 3. At a 

minimum the area under the growth curve from test initiation through termination 

is calculated.

      1

1 0

2 1

1 2 0

1

1 0

2

2

2

2

2





 









  

  









  

 









 

 n n

n n

t t

b b b

t t

b b b

t

b b

A Equation 3

where:

A = area under the growth curve for biomass (cell density)

b0 = observed biomass (cell density) at test initiation

b1 = observed biomass (cell density) at time t1

b2 = observed biomass (cell density) at time t2

bn = observed biomass (cell density) at time tn

t1 = time (units day) of the first measurement after test initiation

tn = time (day) of the n

th measurement after test initiation

(2) Summary statistics―

(i) Environmental conditions. Calculate descriptive statistics (mean, standard 

deviation, coefficient of variation, minimum, maximum) by treatment level for 
Page 15 of 24

temperature and pH. Calculate descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, 

coefficient of variation, minimum, maximum) by test vessel position for light 

intensity.

(ii) Test substance concentration. Calculate descriptive statistics (mean, 

standard deviation, minimum, maximum, coefficient of variation) by test vessel 

and treatment level of the test substance soluble concentration. For each 

treatment level, compare the initial test substance concentration with test 

substance concentration at the end of the test in each treatment. If the test 

substance was not stable calculate a rate of decline of the test substance; a timeweighted mean concentration should be calculated under these circumstances 

(e.g., exponential decay calculate the area under the exponential decay 

concentration curve divided by the total exposure days). For pesticides under 

unstable test substance conditions, the measured test substance concentration at 

test initiation is considered appropriate rather than the time-weighted average 

because of the exposure estimate currently used by OPP for calculating risk 

estimates.

(iii) Cell density. For each treatment level and observation time calculate the 

mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation for cell density. Calculate 

the mean treatment yield, average specific growth rate, and area under the growth 

curve based on changes in biomass or cell density from test initiation to test 

termination. Calculate the mean treatment section-to-section growth rate for cell 

density.

(iv) Appearance and condition. Morphological symptoms of plant injury should 

be summarized in tabular form by time of observation, treatment, and replicate. 

Definition of any index values used for morphological symptoms, indicating the 

severity of the symptom(s), should be provided.

(3) Percent inhibition―

(i) Treatment level. For yield, average specific growth rate, and area under the 

growth curve calculate the percent inhibition (%I) at each treatment level using 

Equation 4.

  

C

C X

I

100 %

 Equation 4

where:

C = the control mean response value (yield, average specific growth rate, 

and area under the growth curve); and

X = the treatment mean response value (yield, average specific growth 

rate, and area under the growth curve, respectively). Stimulation is 

reported as negative %I.
Page 16 of 24

(ii) Growth pattern. If there are substantial differences between the section-bysection growth rates and the average growth rates for a test vessel this indicates 

deviation from theoretical exponential growth. In this instance, compare specific 

growth rates from exposed cultures during the time period of maximum inhibition 

to those for controls during the same period. The same time interval should be 

used for each test vessel in all treatments.

(4) Limit test―

(i) IC50 values. To ascertain that the yield, average specific growth rate, and area 

under the growth curve 96-hour IC50 values based on algal cell density occur 

above the “limit” concentration, a one-sided test which compares the difference 

between two sample groups to a fixed value (or difference) is performed for each 

of these response measures. For a comparison of sample means, the difference 

defining the IC50 compared to controls is operationally defined as a 50% reduction 

or inhibition from the control sample (Equation 5). The null hypothesis (H0) 

stated in terms of true population parameters is that the difference of the “limit”

treatment mean response (μlimit) from the control mean response (μcontrol) is greater 

than or equal to a 50% reduction compared to the control (i.e., H0: μcontrol - μlimit >

δ0). The alternative hypothesis (HA) is that this difference is less than a 50% 

reduction, compared to the control (HA: μcontrol - μlimit < δ0). An example of a 

parametric two-sample comparison test is the Student’s t-test. If the null 

hypothesis is rejected, the inhibition level for the given response measure (i.e. 

yield, average specific growth rate, and area under the growth curve based on cell 

density) in the limit treatment as compared to the control is declared to be less 

than 50% (i.e., IC50 > limit concentration). If the null hypothesis is not rejected, 

the limit treatment as compared to the control response is declared to be 50% or 

greater (i.e., IC50 < limit concentration). 

   100  0  xcontrol  p Equation 5

where:

δ0 = difference between two parameters, defined in this case as a p% 

reduction from the control sample mean;

control x = control sample mean response (e.g., yield, average specific 

growth rate, and area under the growth curve based on cell density); and

p = percent reduction from the control sample mean, which is 50 in the 

case of the IC50.

(ii) NOEC. To ascertain that there is no observable effect at the limit treatment 

(i.e., NOEC > limit concentration) for a given response measure (yield, average 

specific growth rate, and area under the growth curve based on cell density), the 

limit treatment response is compared to the control treatment response using a 

one-sided two-sample parametric or nonparametric test, as appropriate (see 
Page 17 of 24

OCSPP 850.4000). The minimum significant difference detectable by the test or 

a similar estimate of the sensitivity of the test should be determined and reported.

(iii) Multiple-dose definitive testing. 

(A) A multiple-dose definitive test is performed if either the effect or 

inhibition level for one or more response measures (i.e., yield, average 

specific growth rate, and area under the growth curve based on cell 

density) in the limit treatment as compared to the control response at test 

termination are declared to be 50% or greater effect (i.e., the null 

hypothesis is not rejected) or the NOEC is less than the limit 

concentration.

(B) Multiple-dose testing may be waived if at test termination the “limit” 

treatment response is both statistically less than a 50% decrease from the 

control response and there is no observable adverse effect from the control 

response for all measures of effect (yield, average specific growth rate, 

and area under the growth curve based on cell density). 

(5) Multiple-dose definitive test―

(i) Concentration-response curve, slope and IC50. For concentration-response 

tests statistical procedures are employed to calculate the 96-hour IC50 values 

(standard error and 95% confidence interval) for yield, average specific growth 

rate, and area under the growth curve based on cell density. If a concentrationresponse curve model was fit to the data to determine an IC50, the model 

parameters (e.g., slope) and their uncertainty estimates (e.g., standard error) 

should be recorded. The values for each test vessel, not the mean for each 

concentration, should be used as the response variable in fitting the model.

(ii) NOEC. The 96-hour NOEC values for yield, average specific growth rate, 

and area under the growth curve based on cell density are determined. For 

pesticides if a NOEC value can not be determined the 96-hour IC05 value 

(standard error and 95% confidence interval) is estimated and used in place of the 

NOAEC. For industrial chemicals, the specific ICx used in place of a NOEC that 

can not be determined will vary, consult with the Agency. Methods, assumptions, 

and results of the statistical approaches used should be recorded.

(iii) Statistical methods. Statistical procedures for modeling continuous toxicity

data are available and should be used (see references in paragraphs (j)(2), (j)(4) 

and (j)(11) of this guideline). Additional discussion about endpoints and 

statistical procedures is found in OCSPP 850.1000 and OCSPP 850.4000.

(iv) Algicidal and Algistatic concentrations. If applicable, results from the 

staining procedure or the recovery phase are used to determine the algistatic 

concentration (refer to paragraph (e)(9)(v)(C) of this guideline).
Page 18 of 24

(g) Tabular summary of test conditions. Table 2 lists important conditions that should prevail 

during the definitive test. Except for the number of test concentrations, Table 2 also lists the 

important conditions that should prevail during a limit test. Meeting these test conditions will 

greatly increase the likelihood that the completed test will be acceptable or valid.

Table 2.—Summary of Test Conditions for the Cyanobacteria Toxicity Test

Test type Static

Test duration 96 hours 

Test matrix Synthetic growth medium

Temperature 24 ± 2oC

Light quality Cool-white fluorescent

Light intensity 30 μmol/m2/s

Photoperiod Continuous light

Shaking Manual, once or twice daily

Test vessel size 125 - 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks 

Test solution volume Less than or equal to 50% of the volume of the test 

vessel

Age of inoculum From logarithmically-growing stock cultures (typically 3 -

7 days old)

Inoculum concentration 10,000 cells/mL. Inoculum volume less than 2 mL.

Number of replicate test vessels per 

concentration

Four (minimum)

Test concentrations Unless performing limit test, minimum of 5 test 

concentrations plus appropriate controls

Test concentration preparation Aqueous solutions prepared by adding test substance to 

synthetic nutrient medium, directly or via vehicle

Measures of effect (Measurement 

endpoints)

96-hour IC50 and NOEC (or IC05) values for yield, 

average specific growth rate, and area under the growth 

curve based on algal cell density

(h) Test validity elements. This test would be considered to be unacceptable or invalid if one or 

more of the conditions in Table 3 occurred. This list should not be misconstrued as limiting the 

reason(s) that a test could be found unacceptable or invalid. However, except for the conditions 

listed in Table 3 and in OCSPP 850.4000, it is unlikely a study will be rejected when there are 

slight variations from guideline environmental conditions and study design unless the control 

organisms are significantly affected, the precision of the test is reduced, the power of a test to 

detect differences is reduced, and/or significant biases are introduced in defining the magnitude 

of effect on measurement endpoints as compared to guideline conditions. Before departing 

significantly from this guideline, the investigator should contact the Agency to discuss the reason 

for the departure and the effect the change(s) will have on test acceptability. In the test report, all 

departures from the guideline should be identified, reasons for these changes given, and any 

resulting effects on test endpoints noted and discussed.
Page 19 of 24

Table 3.—Test Validity Elements for the Cyanobacteria Toxicity Test

1. Test vessels and closures were not identical.

2. Treatments were not randomly assigned to test vessels, and test vessels were not randomly assigned 

to positions in the growth chamber.

3. A medium (untreated) control [and solvent (vehicle) control, when a solvent was used] was not 

included in the test.

4. The concentration of solvent in the range used affected growth.

5. A minimum of five test concentrations were not used in the definitive test.

6. Controls were contaminated with the test substance. 

7. The lowest test concentration level was not both less than the 96-hour IC50 values and at or below the 

NOEC values for yield, average specific growth rate, and area under the growth curve based on cell 

density.

8. For testing with industrial chemicals a surfactant or dispersant was used in the preparation of a stock or 

test solution.

9. Temperature and light intensity were not measured as specified during the test.

(i) Reporting―

(1) Background information. Background information to be supplied in the report 

consists at a minimum of those background information items listed in paragraph (j)(1) of 

OCSPP 850.4000.

(2) Guideline deviations. Provide a statement of the guideline or protocol followed. 

Include a description of any deviations from the test guideline or any occurrences which 

may have influenced the results of the test, the reasons for these changes, and any 

resulting effects on test endpoints noted and discussed.

(3) Test substance. 

(i) Identification of the test substance: common name, IUPAC and CAS names, 

CAS number, structural formula, source, lot or batch number, chemical state or 

form of the test substance, and its purity (i.e. for pesticides, the identity and 

concentration of active ingredient(s)), radiolabeling if any, location of label(s), 

and radiopurity.

(ii) Storage conditions of the test chemical or test substance and stability of the 

test chemical or test substance under storage conditions if stored prior to use.

(iii) Methods of preparation of the test substance, stock solutions, and the 

treatment concentrations used in the range-finding and definitive test, or limit test.
Page 20 of 24

(iv) If a vehicle (solvent) is used to prepare stock or test substance provide: the 

name and source of the vehicle, the nominal concentration(s) of the test substance

in the vehicle in stock solutions or mixtures, and the vehicle concentration(s) used 

in the treatments and solvent control. A description of the solvents, 

concentration, and affect on solubility of those that were tried prior to initiation of 

the final study should also be included. 

(4) Plant test species. 

(i) Scientific and common name, taxonomic family, and strain.

(ii) Source and method of species and strain verification.

(iii) Method of cultivation, including culturing media used, and conditions.

(iv) Acclimation period, if applicable.

(v) Age (stage) of inoculum at test initiation.

(vi) Health of culture used to prepare inoculum at test initiation.

(5) Test system and conditions. Description of the test system and conditions used in 

the definitive or limit test, and any preliminary range-finding tests.

(i) Description of the growth chamber, or incubation facility, method of 

incubation, and type of lights.

(ii) Description of the test vessels: size, type, material, fill volume.

(iii) Volume of test solution in the test vessels.

(iv) Description of preparation of inoculum used to begin test.

(v) Inoculum volume and cell density (cells/mL) added to each test vessel and the 

method used to derive cell density in the inoculum and the resulting cell density in 

the test vessel at test initiation.

(vi) Number of test vessels (replicates) per treatment level and control(s).

(vii) Description of the preparation of the synthetic growth media used including 

the name, preparation date, concentration of all constituents, the initial pH, and 

storage conditions and storage duration prior to use in test.

(viii) Description of the dilution water and any water pretreatment: source/type; 

pH; total organic carbon content; particulate matter content; metals, pesticides, 

and chlorine concentration. Describe the frequency and sample date(s) for 

documenting dilution water quality.
Page 21 of 24

(ix) Methods used for treatment randomization and assignment of inoculum to test 

vessels.

(x) Date of introduction of test organisms to test solutions and test duration.

(xi) Exposure technique.

(xii) Method and frequency of aeration or agitation of test vessels during the test.

(xiii) The photoperiod and light source or quality.

(xiv) Methods and frequency of environmental monitoring performed during the 

definitive or limit study for temperature, light intensity, pH.

(xv) Methods and frequency of measuring test substance to confirm exposure 

concentrations.

(xvi) Methods and frequency of measuring cell density, and any other 

measurements or observations of phytotoxic symptoms.

(xvii) For the definitive and limit test, all analytical procedures should be 

described. The accuracy of the method, method detection limit, and limit of 

quantification should be given.

(6) Results. 

(i) Tabulation of test substance analytical results by test vessel and treatment 

(provide raw data) and descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, minimum, 

maximum, coefficient of variation).

(ii) Environmental monitoring data results (test solution or air temperature, light 

intensity, and pH) in tabular form (provide raw data for measurements not made 

on a continuous basis), and descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, 

minimum, maximum).

(iii) For preliminary range-finding tests, if conducted, the cell density (or other 

biomass surrogate data) at each treatment level and in the control(s). A

description and count of morphological (microscopic appearance of cells, size or 

color changes, and any other observed effect phytotoxic effects), if recorded, at 

each treatment level and in the control(s).

(iv) For a limit test, tabulate for the limit concentration and the control(s) by

replicate, the cell density (or other biomass surrogate data) at test initiation, at 24, 

48, and 72 hours, and at test termination, the treatment means and standard 

deviations (provide the raw data).
Page 22 of 24

(v) For the definitive test, tabulation by test vessel and treatment of cell density at 

test initiation, at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and at test termination and treatment means 

and standard deviations (provide the raw data).

(vi) For the limit and definitive tests, tabulation by test vessel and treatment of 

yield, average specific growth rate, and area under the growth curve for cell 

density.

(vii) For the limit and definitive tests, tabulation of the mean treatment yield, 

average specific growth rate, and area under the growth curve values, treatment 

standard deviations for these variables, and the treatment %I (or stimulation) in 

yield, average specific growth rate, and area under the growth curve relative to the 

control values.

(viii) For the limit and definitive test, tabulation of observed morphologic signs of 

toxicity (microscopic appearance of cells, size or color changes, and any other 

observed effect) by observation time, treatment level and replicate.

(ix) Graphs of the 96-hour concentration-response data for yield, average specific 

growth rate, and area under the growth curve based on cell density.

(x) For a limit test, provide the results of hypothesis tests.

(xi) For the limit test, provide a description of the statistical methods used 

including software package, and the basis for the choice of method.

(xii) For the definitive study and for those effect measures (yield, average specific 

growth rate, and area under the growth curve for cell density) with data sufficient 

to fit a concentration-response relationship, tabulation of the slope of the 

concentration-response curve and its standard error and 95% confidence limits 

and any goodness of fit results.

(xiii) For the definitive test, tabulation of 96-hour IC50 values for yield, average 

specific growth rate, and area under the growth curve for cell density.

(xiv) For the definitive test, a tabulation of the 96-hour NOEC and LOEC values 

for each response variable (yield, average specific growth rate, and area under the 

growth curve based on cell density). For pesticides, the IC05 and 95% confidence 

interval should be reported for response data where an NOEC could not be 

determined.

(xv) Description of statistical method(s) used for point estimates, including 

software package, for determining IC50 values, fitting the dose-response model, 

and the basis for the choice of method. Provide results of any goodness-of-fit 

tests.

(xvi) Description of statistical method(s) used for NOEC and LOEC 

determination, including software package, and the basis for the choice of 
Page 23 of 24

method. If an IC05 value is used in place of a NOEC provide a description of 

statistical method(s) used for point estimates, including software package, for 

determining IC05 values, fitting the dose-response model, and the basis for the 

choice of method. Provide results of any goodness-of-fit tests.

(xvii) If determined, report the algistatic and algicidal concentrations.

(j) References. The following references should be consulted for additional background 

material on this test guideline.

(1) American Society for Testing and Materials. ASTM E1218-04. Standard guide for 

conducting 96-h toxicity tests with microalgae. In: Annual Book of ASTM Standards, 

Vol. 11.06, West Conshohocken, PA. Current edition approved 2004.

(2) Bruce, R.D. and D.J. Versteeg, 1992 A statistical procedure for modeling continuous 

toxicity data. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 11:1485-1494.

(3) Miller, W.E., J.C. Greene and T. Shiroyama, 1978. The Selenastrum capricornutum

Printz Algal Assay Bottle Test: Experimental Design, Application, and Data 

Interpretation Protocol. EPA-600/9-78-018. Corvallis, OR.

(4) Nyholm, N., P.S. Sorenson, K.O. Kusk, and E.R. Christensen, 1992. Statistical 

treatment of data from microbial toxicity tests. Environmental Toxicology and 

Chemistry 11:157-167.

(5) Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2006. OECD Guidelines 

for Testing of Chemicals, TG 201, Freshwater Alga and Cyanobacteria, Growth 

Inhibition Test. Updated guideline, adopted 23 March, 2006. 

(6) Payne, A.G. and R.H. Hall, 1979. A method for measuring algal toxicity and its 

application to the safety assessment of new chemicals. pp 171-180 in L.L. Marking and 

R.A. Kimerle (eds.). Aquatic Toxicology, ASTM STM 667, American Society for 

Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA.

(7) Stein, J., Handbook of Phycological Methods, Cambridge University Press.

(8) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1982. Pesticide Assessment Guidelines 

Subdivision J, Hazard Evaluation: Nontarget Plants. Office of Pesticides and Toxic 

Substances, Washington, D.C., EPA-540/9-82-020, October 1982.

(9) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1994. Pesticides Reregistration Rejection 

Rate Analysis: Ecological Effects, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, 

Washington, D.C. EPA 738-R-94-035, December, 1994. 

(10) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1996. Hazard Evaluation Division Standard 

Evaluation Procedure, Non-target Plants: Growth and Reproduction of Aquatic Plants -

Tiers 1 and 2. Office of Pesticides Program, Washington, D.C. EPA 540/9-86-134, June 

1986.
Page 24 of 24

(11) VanEwijk, P.H. and J.A. Hoekstra, 1993. Calculation of the EC50 and its confidence 

interval when subtoxic stimulus is present. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

25:25-32.