Toxicity of Aqueous Extracts of Natural and Synthetic Oils to Three Species of
SourceThis study was designed to determine the acute toxicity of natural and synthetic oils to three species of Lemna. The major objectives were to determine if members of this genus can be efficiently used as bioassay organisms and if their growth responses to these oils were similar to those reported for algae. The experimental approach involved exposure of L. gibba, L. minor, and L. perpusilla under standard laboratory conditions to two crude oils, a fuel oil, and two coal-liquefaction products. Growth was monitored as changes in frond numbers. The results of this study showed that the coal-liquefaction products had a greater acute toxicity than the natural oils to the three species, which were similar to results obtained with algae. Also, the three species proved to be efficient and effective bioassay organisms.