Toxicity screening of industrial wastewater in the Odra river basin

Abstract

The effluents from 24 major industries in the Odra river catchment have been characterised as regards toxicity to fresh water organisms and chemical composition. Toxicity screening included tests with bacteria, algae, crustacean and fish. Three effluents with particulary high toxic potential have been identified. Certain other industries with less toxic effluents or small discharge volumes may also be of concern because of low dilution capacities in the receiving waters. Heavy metals have been identified as the toxic components in several wastewaters, but also organic substances may contribute to the toxicity. Industies that should be subjected to further characterisation and development of pollution control startegies have been selected.