Do bioassays adequately predict ecological effects of pollutants?

Abstract

With some notable exceptions, such as the echinoderm and oyster larvae tests, the species traditionally used in bioassays are not sufficiently sensitive to detect subtle ecological effects of pollutants, but by using ecological criteria, species can be identified from any pollution gradient that are sensitive to subtle effects of pollution. Examples are given using gradients of oil, sewage and titanium dioxide pollution. Many marine molluscs show microgrowth bands, which can be used as in situ field bioassays, eg Cerastoderma edule. -from Author