Progress against plan A test method has almost been completed with some refinements to the feeding method required to enhance growth Acceptability criteria for initial fish size and also growth rate have been established. Two toxicity tests have been performed using ammonia and three using uranium. Testing is currently underway applying the new method for Direct Toxicity Assessments (DTAs) of minesite water. The 7-d test will be compared with a 28-d test in Magela Creek water to determine whether the longer exposure time is more sensitive. Key findings A chronic sub-lethal toxicity test method has been successfully developed for M. mogurnda. The sensitivity of this method will be compared to a revised version of the 28-d method developed by Cheng et al. (2010). Workplan for 2017–18 Final testing and report writing is expected in 2017-18. Planned project outputs and associated outcomes The primary outputs for the project are: A routine chronic sub-lethal toxicity test for the fish, M mogurnda. An Internal Report and subsequent peer-reviewed journal paper describing the new methodology. The outcomes of this project will be an improved toxicity testing program for assessing the effects of contaminants on local aquatic biota and, hence, improved site-specific water quality guideline values. Planned communication activities The primary communication activities for the project are: Presentation at the annual SETAC Australasia conference A peer reviewed journal article Reports/presentations to key stakeholders as appropriate Project publications to date (if applicable) No publications to date.
Progress against plan A test method has almost been completed with some refinements to the feeding method required to enhance growth Acceptability criteria for initial fish size and also growth rate have been established. Two toxicity tests have been performed using ammonia and three using uranium. Testing is currently underway applying the new method for Direct Toxicity Assessments (DTAs) of minesite water. The 7-d test will be compared with a 28-d test in Magela Creek water to determine whether the longer exposure time is more sensitive. Key findings A chronic sub-lethal toxicity test method has been successfully developed for M. mogurnda. The sensitivity of this method will be compared to a revised version of the 28-d method developed by Cheng et al. (2010). Workplan for 2017–18 Final testing and report writing is expected in 2017-18. Planned project outputs and associated outcomes The primary outputs for the project are: A routine chronic sub-lethal toxicity test for the fish, M mogurnda. An Internal Report and subsequent peer-reviewed journal paper describing the new methodology. The outcomes of this project will be an improved toxicity testing program for assessing the effects of contaminants on local aquatic biota and, hence, improved site-specific water quality guideline values. Planned communication activities The primary communication activities for the project are: Presentation at the annual SETAC Australasia conference A peer reviewed journal article Reports/presentations to key stakeholders as appropriate Project publications to date (if applicable) No publications to date.
ss-atr-2016-17.docx