Ecotoxicological Assessment of Biodegradation Intermediates

Based on environmental partitioning and the bioconcentration potential, the ecotoxicological impact of the substance is assessed on the relevant compartment (aquatic or terrestrial), for the most relevant period of time (short or long term), by observing acute and/or chronic effects. 

Acute toxicity tests last for a relatively short period of time and evaluate the ability of a substance to induce mortality or adverse effects in the tested organisms. On the contrary, chronic toxicity tests deliver exposures that are related to the organism s life cycle and cover stages that are critical for the organism survival, growth and/or reproduction are typically included and evaluated [28]. 

In the following sections aquatic and terrestrial, short- and long-term, acute and chronic toxicity tests will be discussed, paying particular attention to the most suitable test(s) for a particular substance profile. 

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