The objectives of this study were to evaluate existing techniques for culturing three species of the genus Mysidopsis that are routinely used as toxicity test organisms. A comparison of the life history, ecology and distribution of M. bahia, M. bigelowi and M. almyra is presented. Culture systems are described, supplemental foods are suggested, and guidelines are given for salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and nitrogen levels that will maintain optimum laboratory culture conditions. Methods are outlined for harvesting juveniles and controlling contaminant organisms, and general feeding procedures are described. Culture management is stressed as the most significant factor in maintaining productive mysid cultures. Specific recommendations are made regarding culture density, harvesting frequency, sex ratio and introduction of feral animals.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate existing techniques for culturing three species of the genus Mysidopsis that are routinely used as toxicity test organisms. A comparison of the life history, ecology and distribution of M. bahia, M. bigelowi and M. almyra is presented. Culture systems are described, supplemental foods are suggested, and guidelines are given for salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and nitrogen levels that will maintain optimum laboratory culture conditions. Methods are outlined for harvesting juveniles and controlling contaminant organisms, and general feeding procedures are described. Culture management is stressed as the most significant factor in maintaining productive mysid cultures. Specific recommendations are made regarding culture density, harvesting frequency, sex ratio and introduction of feral animals.

An on-site investigation was conducted in northeast Florida to evaluate the toxicity of a pulp and paper mill discharge and to determine whether there was any receiving water toxicity associated with that discharge. The species tested included the macroalga Champia parvula, the mysid Mysidopsis bahia, and two fish species, Cyprinodon variegatus and Menidia beryllina. All methods evaluated the critical, sensitive life stages and estimated chronic toxicity. Test results indicated that effluent effect concentrations were approximately 1% for the two most sensitive species (mysids and the macroalga) and 32% for the least sensitive (C. variegatus). Receiving waters adjacent to the discharge were sampled and tested daily over a seven-day period. Water samples collected at stations closest to the discharge were toxic to the macroalga, and the effect concentrations (estimated by a previous dye study) were consistent with those determined in the effluent tests. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Duluth Laboratory conducted on-site chemical fractionation studies using the freshwater crustacean, Ceriodaphnia reticulata. Results of these studies indicated that unionized ammonia was the primary toxic component of the effluent. Data in this case study, from the suite of methods developed (or modified) at EPA's Narragansett Laboratory, appear suitable for the derivation of toxicity-based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits for the marine environment.