Methodological aspects for the application of bioassays included in the technical annex to the Environment Ministry Decree 173/16: protocol for the preparation of elutriate.
This booklet describes the methodological protocol to be used in the preparation of elutriates for the execution of bioassays on coastal marine sediments to be managed. The main aim is to minimize possible interference related to the techniques and methodologies used in the various public and private laboratories, as well as the need to comply with adequate chemical-physical conditions of the matrix to be tested that are closer to the field of application, in particular for those chronic/long term bioassays referred as "third type" in the Technical Annex of the Environment Ministry Decree 173/2016.
Detailed information is provided on how to manage the contribution of factors altering the natural characteristics of the sediment, including the presence of nitrogen compounds (ammonia and nitrites) that can compromise the correct evaluation of the results.
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