Daphnia pulex (a standard laboratory toxicity test organism)
The D. pulex culture is maintained under strict well-established South African protocols. This stock was started from CSIR cultures. Approximately 70 individuals are maintained in twelve 2L glass beakers. Culture and laboratory parameters are recorded daily. Neonates less than 24-hours old are used in standard acute and chronic toxicity tests.
The D. pulex culture is maintained under strict well-established South African protocols. This stock was started from CSIR cultures. Approximately 70 individuals are maintained in twelve 2L glass beakers. Culture and laboratory parameters are recorded daily. Neonates less than 24-hours old are used in standard acute and chronic toxicity tests.
Caridina nilotica (an indigenous macroinvertebrate toxicity test organism)
The culture of freshwater shrimp was started in 1998, with C. nilotica
collected from the Mpsini stream (KwaZulu-Natal). Shrimps of all ages are
maintained in ten 30L glass tanks according to a protocol developed and
refined by UCEWQ-IWR over the past six years. Shrimps are fed a general diet of
Spirulina flakes with gravid females receiving additional Tetramin
flakes. Water quality parameters are monitored daily. Developing embryos,
juveniles and adults are all used in toxicity tests.