ICT (Integrated Chironomid Toxicity Test)

Sediments act as sink for many pollutants, e.g. heavy metals and pesticides. Sediment toxicity can be determined and classified with the benthic larvae of Chironomidae, based on morphological deformities.Screening of deformities in the field acts as biomonitoring to evaluate toxicity of sediments. In the laboratory the ICT can be used, which combines the following toxicity parameters: frequency/induction of deformities, mortality, emergence and behaviour (locomotion, ventilation) measured in the  SEB 1.0 (SEdiment Biomonitor). ICT screens and classifies freshwater sediments and allows for mapping sediment quality.

Deformity

Emergence Behaviour