Recommendations for the advancement of oil-in-water media and source oil characterization in aquatic toxicity test studies

• Published in: Aquatic toxicology 2023-08, Vol.261, p.106582-106582, Article 106582
• Main Authors: Dettman, Heather D., Wade, Terry L., French-McCay, Deborah P., Bejarano, Adriana C., Hollebone, Bruce P., Faksness, Liv-Guri, Mirnaghi, Fatemeh S., Yang, Zeyu, Loughery, Jennifer, Pretorius, Travers, de Jourdan, Benjamin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: oil spills; oils; toxicity; toxicity testing
• ISSN: 0166-445X; 1879-1514
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106582

•In 2005, the chemical response to oil Spills: ecological effects research forum (CROSERF) protocol was developed with existing common analytical methods that described a standard method for reproducible preparation of exposure media as well as recommended specific analytical methods and analyte lists for comparative toxicity testing where the primary purpose of the data collected was to inform oil spill response and contingency planning.•With improvements in both analytical equipment and methods, the use of toxicity data has expanded to include their integration into fate and effect models that aim to extend the applicability of lab-based study results to make predictions for field system-level impacts.•This paper provides a summary of current chemical analyses for the characterization of oil and exposure media used during aquatic toxicity testing and makes recommendations for the minimum analyses needed to allow data to be used for secondary modeling purposes.•An overview of oil and exposure media analytical methods relevant for toxicity test characterization, from simple to complex are described.•Supplemental information (SI) includes definitions of the technical terms used as well as brief descriptions of the analytical methods, and sample storage and handling procedures mentioned. During toxicity testing, chemical analyses of oil and exposure media samples are needed to allow comparison of results between different tests as well as to assist with identification of the drivers and mechanisms for the toxic effects observed. However, to maximize the ability to compare results between different laboratories and biota, it has long been recognized that guidelines for standard protocols were needed. In 2005, the Chemical Response to Oil Spills: Ecological Effects Research Forum (CROSERF) protocol was developed with existing common analytical methods that described a standard method for reproducible preparation of exposure media as well as recommended specific analytical methods and analyte lists for comparative toxicity testing. At the time, the primary purpose for the data collected was to inform oil spill response and contingency planning. Since then, with improvements in both analytical equipment and methods, the use of toxicity data has expanded to include their integration into fate and effect models that aim to extend the applicability of lab-based study results to make predictions for field system-level impacts. This paper focuses on providing a summa