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.

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