G M F Van Eetvelde, S De Geyter, P Marchal, M Stevens
Continuing from preliminary results reported on the aquatic toxicity of some tropical hardwoods under high hazard conditions, a more comprehensive research study is set-up in order to assess the environmental toxicology of various structural materials in water applications. Hazard class 4 preservative treated wood is tested for its toxic response on a battery of aquatic test organisms, next to concrete and plastic and a selection of tropical hardwoods used in waterworks.
The results reveal a wide range of toxicity responses covering tropical and treated timbers, the alternative materials bearing a considerably lower toxic profile. Still, a general observation is found in the enhanced inhibition of algal growth for all structural materials.
Keywords: WATER CONSTRUCTIONS; STRUCTURAL MATERIALS; HAZARD CLASS 4; ECOTOXICITY; MICROBIOTESTS
Conference: 98-06-14/19 Maastricht, The Low Countries