A Q U I R E
AQUatic toxicity Information REtrieval
Database
A Technical Support Document
Prepared
by
Anne Pilli
Computer Sciences Corporation
Barbara Riedel Sheedy
Delores Grunwald
AScI Corporation
Revised: July 1992
for the
Environmental Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Duluth, MN 55804
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ii
INTRODUCTION 1
Scope 1
Input 1
ACCESS 4
LITERATURE REVIEW 5
Data Sources 5
Test Chemical 6
Test Organism 6
Test Media 6
Test Location 6
Exposure Duration 7
Exposure Type 7
Water Chemistry 7
Chemical Analysis Method 7
Control Tests 7
Effect Concentration 7
Effects 8
Review Code 8
REFERENCES 10
APPENDIX A A-l
APPENDIX B B-l
APPENDIX C C-l
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ABSTRACT
The AQUIRE fAOUatic toxicity Information REtrieval) database was
established in 1981 by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (US EPA), Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
(ERL-D). AQUIRE is updated and maintained at the ERL-D. The
purpose of AQUIRE is to provide quick access to a comprehensive,
systematic, computerized compilation of aquatic toxic effects
data.
The Technical Support Document has been prepared to provide an
introduction and guide to the content and structure of the AQUIRE
database.
Scientific papers published both nationally and internationally
on the toxic effects of chemicals to aquatic organisms and plants
are collected and reviewed for AQUIRE. Independently compiled
laboratory data files that include AQUIRE parameters and meet the
quality assurance criteria are also included. Toxicity test
results and related testing information for any individual
chemical from laboratory and field aquatic toxicity tests are
extracted and added to AQUIRE. Acute, sublethal and
bioconcentration effects are recorded for freshwater and marine
organisms.
As of July 1992, AQUIRE consists of over 98,300 individual test
results on computer file. These tests contain information for
5,500 chemicals and 2,300 organisms, extracted from over 6,300
publications. In addition, the ERL-D data file, prepared by the
University of Wisconsin-Superior is now included in AQUIRE. This
data file consists of acute toxicity test results for the effects
of 525 organic chemicals to fathead minnow. All AQUIRE data
entries have been subjected to established quality assurance
procedures.
For further information and inquiries regarding access to the
AQUIRE database, contact:
Scientific Outreach Program
U.S. EPA Environmental Research Laboratory
6201 Congdon Blvd.
Duluth, MN 55804
(218) 722-0075
ii
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INTRODUCTION
Scope
The AQUIRE (AQUatic toxicity information REtrieval) database was
established in 1981 by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (US EPA), Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
(ERL-D). AQUIRE is maintained and updated at the ERL-D. The
purpose of AQUIRE is to provide quick access to a comprehensive,
systematic, computerized compilation of aquatic toxic effects
data. AQUIRE is a summary of available aquatic toxic effects
data and is subsequently designed to be used as a reference tool.
Researchers or managers using AQUIRE for analyses or summary
projects should consult the original scientific paper to ensure
an understanding of the context of the data retrieved from
AQUIRE.
AQUIRE is an extensive compilation of data extracted primarily
from scientific papers published on aquatic toxic effects.
AQUIRE also includes data from independently compiled laboratory
data files. The scope of the scientific data included has been
defined by the criteria of single chemical exposure and is
limited to those organisms which are exclusively aquatic.
Input
Toxicity papers are acquired by literature searches, abstract
journals, US EPA Water Quality Criteria document bibliographies,
and from existing ERL-D toxicity reprint collections. The major
portion of literature in AQUIRE is from 1972 to the present.
Current publications are acquired and reviewed on a continuing
basis. Reprints of all references included in the database are
on file at ERL-D.
Publications used in AQUIRE must contain unique data. The
bibliographic file and the main database files contain quality
assurance checks for duplicate publications. If data is
published in a dissertation, symposium proceeding, internal
report or a book, in addition to a peer-reviewed journal, only
the journal publication is included in AQUIRE. If portions of
the data are published in one source and the rest in a separate
publication, both sources are reviewed with care so that each
data point is included only once. Foreign publications are
reviewed by AQUIRE staff if either an English abstract or a
translated table of data are included. International cooperative
efforts are underway with the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Commonwealth of
Independent States (Borok Institute). Review of international
literature will be provided by Member countries of the
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agreements. Data reported in review papers are abstracted from
the original publication.
Data obtained from independently compiled data files must meet
the AQUIRE data parameter and quality assurance guidelines.
Transfer is by computer file with accompanying quality assurance
procedures. The ERL-D data file on the acute toxicity of organic
chemicals to fathead minnows (Center for Lake Superior Studies;
University of Wisconsin-Superior; 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, and
1990) is currently included in the AQUIRE database.
AQUIRE is catalogued by the toxicant tested using the Chemical
Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number. If a CAS registry
number is not available through standard sources, the toxicity
data cannot be included in AQUIRE. Additional toxicants not
included in AQUIRE are water chemistry effects, complex effluents
and chemical mixtures. If a publication contains data for a
single chemical, in addition to one of the above categories of
toxicants, the paper is retained and only the single chemical
data is used in AQUIRE.
Test organisms are limited to those which are exclusively
aquatic. Classes of organisms associated with the aquatic
environment (e.g. amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and
rooted semi-aquatic plants), and the microscopic community
(bacteria and virus) are omitted. The test organisms are
categorized according to current taxonomy and stored in AQUIRE
such that toxicity information can be retrieved at many taxonomic
levels (e.g. class, order, family, genus, and species).
The data elements selected in AQUIRE reflect standard parameters
within a toxicity test. The data encoded is evaluated according
to existing standard test methods such as those from the American
Society for Testing and Materials (1989), Code of Federal
Regulations (1987), and the American Public Health Association et
al. (1989). Each test reviewed for AQUIRE is assigned a review
code which indicates the amount of method documentation available
in the scientific paper. There are various toxicity test methods
which are not applicable to AQUIRE. Publications in which the
exposure concentration or duration is not reported (field
surveys, sediment toxicity, runoff or leachate toxicity), or in
which the endpoints are only represented graphically, are not
reviewed for AQUIRE. Exposures must either be aqueous, through
the diet, or by injection. In vitro toxicity test results are
not included.
Quality assurance procedures begin with literature acquisition
and cataloging, and continue through the chemical and species
files, the literature review process, data entry and data
retrieval. Ten percent of all processed data is reviewed by two
AQUIRE staff members. Any subsequent corrections are also
reviewed by two staff members. In addition to manual checks,
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there are various computerized checks within the database
structure.
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ACCESS
The AQUIRE database is located on the Digital VAX 11/785 at the
ERL-D and at the EPA National Computer Center. The database can
be accessed using an EPA network via the VAX system or through a
modem and personal computer. A user-friendly, menu-driven
program to extract toxicity information has been developed for
use by government offices. A magnetic tape of AQUIRE data and
software for the VAX system are available from the National
Technical Information Service (NTIS PB92-500453). There are
several commercial vendors of AQUIRE for access by the private
sector. See Appendix A for a current listing of AQUIRE sources.
For more information on details of access or for user support,
please call the Scientific Outreach Program at 218/722-0075 for
referral to the appropriate database staff person.
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LITERATURE REVIEW
Data Sources
Pertinent literature is identified through on-line computer
searches of the international literature on a continuing basis.
The computerized searches were initiated with the 1970
publication year and continue through to the present. A
comprehensive search was designed to include the effect of
virtually all toxic substances on aquatic organisms within the
scope of the AQUIRE guidelines. Commercial literature sources
are continually evaluated for relevance to the AQUIRE literature
search. The search strategy is evaluated in regard to the
success ratio of each search. Additional sources include
abstract journals, US EPA Water Quality Criteria document
bibliographies and the ERL-D library collection.
The abstracts received are screened to identify references
applicable to AQUIRE. Those references pertinent to the database
are acquired through a variety of literature acquisition
procedures, such as author reprint requests, inter-library loans,
and commercial sources. As the publications are received, they
are archived in an AQUIRE bibliographic subfile. A reference
number is assigned for storage and retrieval purposes, and a
final check for applicability and duplication is made. A reprint
of each publication is kept on file.
Data obtained from independent data files, rather than the
published literature, are subjected to a series of quality
assurance criteria prior to acceptance. The key AQUIRE data
fields: CAS number and chemical name, test organism, effect,
exposure duration, and concentration must be included.
Documentation describing the test methods must be provided. If
tests are missing key parameters or the experimental methodology
was erratic, the data is rejected. Following an update of
acceptable data, a 10% quality assurance check of CAS number
identification, verification of species Latin name and
confirmation of effect concentrations is made.
The AQUIRE literature is processed by trained reviewers. An
intensive four-month training period, a we11-documented manual
(US EPA, 1984), and close interaction with the data coordinator
help to ensure a high level of accuracy and consistency in the
reviewing process. Ten percent of the publications are
independently reviewed by two different reviewers. These reviews
are compared, differences (if any) are documented, discussed and
resolved by the data coordinator.
The data elements contained in AQUIRE are grouped by test
chemical, test organism, test conditions and test endpoint. The
test chemical parameters define the toxicant, the associated
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registry number, and the grade, purity and/or composition of the
toxicant. The test organism parameters define the type of
organism and the lifestage being tested. The test conditions
identify the test water, test location, exposure type and
duration, control parameters, and basic water chemistry. The
test endpoint parameters consist of a code to define the acute,
sublethal, or BCF effect and the effect concentration. In
addition to the preceding categories, AQUIRE incorporates the use
of a review code which indicates the amount of documentation
available for each piece of data in AQUIRE. The following
sections describe each of the data elements.
Test Chemical
A standardized identification number and name for each chemical
recorded in the database is used for consistency. Toxicants
included in the AQUIRE database are assigned a Chemical Abstracts
Services (CAS) registry number and are referred to by the Ninth
Collective Index (9CI) standard nomenclature. The CAS number and
9CI name are stored in a file accessed by AQUIRE. The CAS
number, verified name, synonyms, and verification sources are
kept on card file for documentation purposes.
Retrieval is made by using the CAS number or the chemical name.
It is important to stress that the user refer to the original
publication to retrieve additional test chemical information
which may affect the context of toxicity information retrieved
from AQUIRE.
Test Organism
The test organism is identified by the current Latin name as
verified in the taxonomic literature. Major and minor codes have
been assigned to aid the user in obtaining information at various
taxonomic levels (Appendix B). For each species entry, the
verified name, taxonomic code, nomenclature history and
verification sources are kept on file for documentation purposes.
Test organism life stage information includes characteristics
such as age, weight, length, developmental stage, and initial
cell concentration to describe the organism being tested.
Test Media
Freshwater tests include those conducted in freshwater,
reconstituted water, distilled water, or tap water. Saltwater
tests include those conducted in natural or artificial seawater,
brackish water or estuarine water.
Test Location
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A field test: is an experiment conducted in a natural water body,
or in an artificial water body that meets all of the following
criteria: it is located outdoors; the system has a natural bottom
substrate; and aquatic communities (e.g. bacteria, phytoplankton
and zooplankton) have become established.
All other conditions are considered lab tests.
Exposure Duration
Exposure duration is coded using the units reported in the
literature. There is an automatic conversion to days as units
for the retrieval program. For a fluctuating or intermittent
dosing experiment, the dosing interval is recorded.
Exposure Type
The exposure type indicates the type of chemical exposure, such
as static, flow-through, renewal, diet, injection, or in situ.
Water Chemistry
The following water chemistry parameters are included in AQUIRE.
These measured values pertain only to the test water chemistry.
Dilution water chemistry values are not generally reported.
- Temperature is expressed in degrees Celsius.
- Hardness and alkalinity are expressed as mg/L as CaCO3.
If the author only reports the terms: hard or soft,
these terms are recorded.
- Dissolved oxygen is reported in mg/L or % saturation.
pH is reported.
Chemical Analysis Method
Quantitative analyses of water in test chambers or field sites
are considered a measured concentration. Concentrations that are
not analyzed in test chambers or field sites are considered
unmeasured (nominal). If it is not reported whether the
concentration is measured or unmeasured, an unmeasured condition
is assumed.
Control Tests
Control tests are determined to be satisfactory, unsatisfactory,
or indeterminate according to criteria established in standard
test method protocols.
Effect Concentration
The effect concentration is expressed in fig/I*. The 95%
confidence interval or range is recorded when available. If the
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concentration is reported in units which cannot be readily
converted into M9/Li i.e., mg/kg or /uCi/L, the concentration
value and its units are recorded. If both the measured and
nominal water concentration are reported, the measured
concentration is recorded. Concentrations based on the active
ingredient or formulation, or as the total, un-ionized or
dissolved concentration, are identified.
Effects
The LC50/EC50 endpoint is a statistically derived, estimated
toxicity test endpoint. An LC50 is the median lethal
concentration and is used only when death is the observed
endpoint. An EC50 is the median effective concentration and is
used when an effect other than death is the observed endpoint.
In AQUIRE, an EC50 is usually followed by an abbreviation that
defines the specific effect measured. Occasionally the author
does not specify the effect measured. The endpoint is then
recorded as an EC50.
Sublethal (i.e., reproduction, growth) and bioconcentration
(i.e., BCF) data are recorded in the format which is reported in
each publication.
Effects reported after the organisms are transferred to recovery
(toxicant free) test chambers are recorded as delayed effects.
Delayed effects are reported only if the direct exposure effects
are not specified.
Appendix C lists the current effect codes for the AQUIRE
database.
Review Code
The AQUIRE review code indicates the type and completeness of
methods documentation accompanying the data. Review code
assignments range from detailed documentation to summary format
(1-4) and independently compiled data files range from review
codes >5.
Review Code = 1: Thorough methods and results documentation.
Review Code = 2: Documentation is generally satisfactory; but
one or more of the pieces of information are missing from either
the methods or results section such as control information or
chemical concentrations are unmeasured.
Review Code = 3: Insufficient methods and results documentation.
Review Code = 4: Indicates data is available only in a limited
format, such as conference proceeding abstracts or the English
abstracts for untranslated foreign papers.
8
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Review Code = 5: This file contains ERL-D laboratory data for
acute toxicity of organic chemicals, using a single test species
(juvenile fathead minnows). The information was transferred via
computer files and was not subjected to the standard AQUIRE
procedures. All test results, including data not available
on-line, are available in five volumes titled: Acute Toxicities
of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas),
(Center for Lake Superior Environmental Studies; University of
Wisconsin-Superior; 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, and 1990).
Review > 5: These will be utilized as additional data files
are incorporated.
9
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REFERENCES
American Society for Testing and Materials. 1989. Annual Book
of ASTM Standards, Section II Water and Environmental Technology,
Pesticides; Resource Recovery; Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill
Responses; Waste Disposal; Biological Effects. Vol. 11.04. ASTM,
Philadelphia, PA.
American Public Health Association, American Waste Works
Association, and Water Pollution Control Federation. 1989.
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste Water,
Seventeenth Edition, APHA Washington, DC.
Center for Lake Superior Environmental Studies, University of
Wisconsin-Superior; 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, and 1990. Acute
Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows (Pimephales
promelas) Vol. 1-5. University of Wisconsin-Superior; Superior,
WI.
Code of Federal Regulations. 1987. Title 40 - Protection of
Environment, Part 700 to end. U.S. Government Printing Office.
Washington, DC.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1984. AQUIRE: Aquatic
Information Retrieval Toxicity Database. Project Description,
Guidelines and Procedures. EPA 600/8-84-021. By R.c. Russo and
A. Pilli. Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth; Office of
Research and Development; US EPA; Duluth, MN.
10
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Appendix A
AQUIRE General Access Information Sheet
July 1992
AQUIRE is available from the following sources:
1. On-line access for government agencies is routed through the U.S. EPA National
Computer Center. For AQUIRE access information, please contact:
Scientific Outreach Program Phone: 218-722-0075
2. On-line access for the private sector is available from a number of commercial
vendors. The sources that we are currently aware of include:
Chemical Information Systems, Inc. Phone: 800-CIS-USER
Technical Database Services, Inc. Phone: 212-245-0044
3. VAX VMS data tapes of AQUIRE are available through the National Technical
Information Services (NTIS). For additional information, please contact:
National Technical Information Service Phone: 703-487-4763
4. Database retrieval service providing ASCII and microcomputer database files is
available from:
Spectrum Research, Inc. Phone: 218-525-5322
5. Sources for the AQUIRE database in microcomputer format include:
AScI Corporation Phone: 703-847-0001
Spectrum Research, Inc. Phone: 218-525-5322
6. VAX VMS and UNIX based software for on-site use:
Daylight Chemical Information
Systems Inc. Phone: 714-476-0451
A-1
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APPENDIX B
MAJOR/MINOR SPECIES CODES
Major codes = two-letter codes, eg. OS for Osteichthyes
Minor codes = four-letter codes, eg. CYPR for Cyprinidae
MISCELLANEOUS (Ml)
AQCO Aquatic community
(plants and animals)
AQIN Invertebrates (several
phyla)
AQPL Plankton (planktonic
plants and animals)
CYANOBACTERIA (CY)
CYAN Cyanophyta (blue-green
algae)
PROTOZOA (PR)
PROT Protozoans (unicellular
animals)
CRYS Chrysophyta (diatoms,
coccolithids, golden
algae)
EUGL Euglenophyta
(euglenoids)
PHAE Phaeophyta (brown
algae)
PYRR Pyrrophyta
(dinoflagellates)
RHOD Rhodophyta (red algae)
XANT Xanthophyta
(yellow-green algae)
BRYOPHYTA (BY)
HEPA Hepaticae (liverworts)
MUSC Musci (mosses)
ALGAE (AL)
By Division (See also Cyanobacteria)
ALGU Algae (more than one
division)
CHLO Chlorophyta (green
algae)
CHRO Charophyta
(stoneworts)
CRYP Cryptophyta
(cryptomonads)
TRACHEOPHYTA (TR)
PTER Pteropsida (ferns)
SALV Salviniaceae
TRAC Tracheophytes (vascular
plants)
ACAN Acanthaceae
ACER Aceraceae
ACTI Actinidiaceae
AGAV Agavaceae
ALIS Alismataceae
AMAR Amaranthaceae
AMAY Amaryllidaceae
B-1
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ANAC Anacardiaceae
APIA Apiaceae
APOC Apocynaceae
AQUI Aquifoliaceae
ARAC Araceae
ARAL Araliaceae
ARAL! Araucariaceae
AREC Arecaceae
ASCL Asclepiadaceae
ASTE Asteraceae
BALS Balsaminaceae
BEGO Begoniaceae
BERB Berberidaceae
BETU Betulaceae
BIGN Bignoniaceae
BORA Boraginaceae
BRAS Brassicaceae
BROM Bromeliaceae
BUXA Buxaceae
CACT Cactaceae
CANB Cannabaceae
CANN Cannaceae
CAPP Capparaceae
CAPR Caprifoliaceae
CARI Caricaceae
GARY Caryophyllaceae
CASU Casuarinaceae
CELA Celastraceae
CHEN Chenopodiaceae
CLUS Clusiaceae
COMM Commelinaceae
CONV Convolvulaceae
CORN Cornaceae
CRAS Crassulaceae
CUCU Cucurbitaceae
CUPR Cupressaceae
CUSC Cuscutaceae
CYPE Cyperaceae
DENN Dennstaedtiaceae
DIOS Dioscoreaceae
DIPS Dipsacaceae
EBEN Ebenaceae
ELAE Elaeagnaceae
ERIC Ericaceae
EUPH Euphorbiaceae
FABA Fabaceae
FAGA Fagaceae
FLAG Flacourtiaceae
FUMA Fumariaceae
GERA Geraniaceae
GINK Ginkgoaceae
GROS Grossulariaceae
HAMA Hamamelidaceae
HIPP Hippocastanaceae
HYDR Hydrangeaceae
IRID Iridaceae
JUGL Juglandaceae
JUNG Juncaceae
LAM I Lamiaceae
LAUR Lauraceae
LI LI Liliaceae
LINA Linaceae
LYTH Lythraceae
MAGN Magnoliaceae
MALV Malvaceae
MELA Melastomataceae
MELI Meliaceae
MOLL Molluginaceae
MORA Moraceae
MUSA Musaceae
MYOP Myoporaceae
MYRS Myrsinaceae
MYRT Myrtaceae
NYCT Nyctaginaceae
NYSS Nyssaceae
OLEA Oleaceae
OLEN Oleandraceae
ONAG Onagraceae
ORCH Orchidaceae
OXAL Oxalidaceae
PAPA Papaveraceae
PASS Passifloraceae
PEDA Pedaliaceae
PHYT Phytolaccaceae
PINA Pinaceae
PIPE Piperaceae
PITT Pittosporaceae
PLAN Plantaginaceae
B-2
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PLAT Platanaceae
POAC Poaceae
POLE Polemoniaceae
POLY Polygonaceae
PORT Portulacaceae
PRIM Primulaceae
PROT Proteaceae
PUNI Punicaceae
RANU Ranunculaceae
RHAM Rhamnaceae
RHIZ Rhizophoraceae
ROSA Rosaceae
RUBI Rubiaceae
RUTA Rutaceae
SALI Salicaceae
SAPI Sapindaceae
SAPO Sapotaceae
SAXI Saxifragaceae
SCRO Scrophulariaceae
SIMA Simaroubaceae
SMIL Smilacaceae
SOLA Solanaceae
STER Sterculiaceae
TAMA Tamaricaceae
TAXA Taxaceae
TAXO Taxodiaceae
THEA Theaceae
THYM Thymelaeaceae
TILI Tiliaceae
TROP Tropaeolaceae
TYPH Typhaceae
ULMA Ulmaceae
URTI Urticaceae
VERB Verbenaceae
VIOL Violaceae
VITA Vitaceae
ZYGO Zygophyllaceae
FUNGI (FU)
FUNG Fungi
PORIFERA (PO)
PORI Sponges
CNIDARIA (CN)
CNID Cnidarians (hydroids,
sea anemones, jellyfish)
CTENOPHORA (CT)
CTEN Ctenophores
(comb-jellies)
PLATYHELMINTHES (PL)
By Class
CEST Cestoda (tapeworms)
TREM Trematoda (flukes)
TURB Turbellaria (flatworms)
GNATHOSTOMULIDA (GN)
GNAT Gnathostomulids
NEMERTEA (NE)
NEME Nemerteans (proboscis
worms)
NEMATODA (NM)
NEMA Nematodes
(roundworms)
GASTROTRICHA (GS)
B-3
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GAST Gastrotrichs
ROTIFERA (RO)
ROTI Rotifers
NEMATOMORPHA (NT)
NEMT Horsehair, gordian
worms
ANNELIDA (AN)
By class
HIRU Hirudinea (leeches)
OLIG Oligochaeta
(earthworms)
POLY Polychaeta
(bristleworms)
BRACHIOPODA (BC)
BRAC Brachiopods (lamp
shells)
MOLLUSCA (ML)
By Class
AMPN Amphineura (chitons)
CEPH Cephalopoda (squids,
octopuses)
GASR Gastropoda (snails,
limpets, slugs)
PELE Pelecypoda (bivalves,
clams, mussels)
ARACHNIDA (AR)
ARAC Arachnids (mites,
spiders)
MEROSTOMATA (MR)
MERO Merostomata
(horseshoe crabs)
CRUSTACEA (CR)
By Subclass, Order or Suborder
AMPH Amphipoda (scuds)
ANOS Anostraca (fairy shrimp)
BRAN Branchiura (fish lice)
CIRR Cirripedia (barnacles)
CLAD Cladocera (water fleas)
CONG Conchostraca (clam
shrimp)
COPE Copepoda (copepods)
CRUS Crustaceans (several
groups)
DECA Decapoda (shrimp,
crayfish, crabs)
EUPH Euphausiacea
(euphasid)
ISOP Isopoda (sowbugs)
MYSI Mysidacea (opposum
shrimp)
NOTO Notostraca (tadpole
shrimp)
OSTR Ostracoda (seed
shrimp, ostracods)
INSECTA (IN)
By Order
COLE Coleoptera (beetles)
COLL Collembola (springtail
beetles)
DIPT Diptera (flies,
mosquitoes, midges)
B-4
-------
EPHE Ephemeroptera
(mayflies)
HEM! Hemiptera (water bugs)
INSE Insects (several groups)
LEPD Lepidoptera (aquatic
caterpillars)
MEGA Megaloptera
(hellgrammites,
alderflies, ishflies)
NEUR Neuroptera (spongilla
fly)
ODON Odonata (dragonflies)
PLEC Plecoptera (stoneflies)
TRIO Trichoptera (caddisflies)
SIPUNCULA (SI)
SIPU Sipunculid worms
BRYOZOA (BR)
BRYO Bryozoans
ASCI Ascidiacea (sea squirts,
ascidians)
CHONDRICHTHYES (CH)
By Family
DASY Dasyatidae (stingrays)
MYLI Myliobatidae (eagle
rays)
OREC Orectolobidae (carpet
sharks, nurse sharks)
RAJI Rajidae (skates, rays)
SCYL Scyliorhinidae (cat sharks)
SQUA Squalidae (dogfish
sharks)
TORP Torpendinidae (electric
rays)
AGNATHA (AG)
PETR Petromyzontidae
(lampreys)
ECHINODERMATA (EC)
ECHI Echinoderms (starfish,
sea urchins)
CEPHALOCHORDATA (CC)
CCHO Cephalochordates
CHAETOGNATHA (CA)
CHAE Arrowworms
UROCHORDATA (UR)
OSTEICHTHYES (OS)
By Family
ACIP Acipenseridae
(sturgeons)
AGON Agonidae (poachers)
AMII Amiidae (bowfins)
AMMO Ammodytidae (sand
lances)
ANAB Anabantidae (climbing
perches)
ANGU Anguillidae (freshwater
eels)
APHR Aphredoderidae (pirate
perches)
ARM Ariidae (catfish)
ATHE Atherinidae (silversides)
B-5
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BAGR Bagridae (scaleless
catfish)
BALI Balistidae
(leather-jackets,
filefishes)
BATR Batrachoididae
(toadfishes)
BELO Belonidae (needle fish)
BLEN Blenniidae (blennies)
BOTH Bothidae (lefteye
flounders)
CARA Carangidae (jacks,
scads, pompanos)
CATO Catostomidae (suckers)
CENT Centrarchidae
(sunfishes)
CHAN Chanidae (milkfish)
CHAR Characidae (characins)
CHNN Chnnidae (snakehead
catfish)
CICH Cichlidae (cichlids)
CLAR Clariidae (airbreathing
catfishes)
CLUP Clupeidae (herrings)
GOBI Cobitidae (loaches)
CONG Congridae (conger eels)
COTT Cottidae (sculpins)
CTRO Centropomidae
(snooks)
CYLO Cylopteridae (snailfish)
CYPI Cyprinidae (minnows,
carps)
CYPO Cyprinodontidae
(killifishes)
DENT Denticidae (silverfish)
ELEC Electrophoridae (electric
eels)
EMBI Embiotocidae
(surfperches)
ENGR Engraulidae (anchovies)
ESOC Esocidae (pikes)
FISH Fish (several groups)
GADI Gadidae (cods)
GALA Galaxidae (galaxid fish)
GASE Gasterosteidae
(sticklebacks)
GERR Gerreidae (mojarras)
GOBI Gobiidae (gobies)
HAEM Haemulidae (grunts)
HETE Heteropneustidae
(air-sac catfish)
HIOD Hiodontidae (mooneyes)
ICTA Ictaluridae (freshwater
catfishes)
KUHL Kuhliidae (flagfish,
flagtails)
KYPH Kyphosidae (sea chubs)
LABR Labridae (wrasses)
LACT Lactariidae (whitefish)
LEIO Leiognathidae
(ponyfishes, slimys or
slipmouths)
LEPS Lepisosteidae (gars)
LOPH Lophiidae (goosefishes)
MAST Mastacembelidae (spiny
eels)
MERL Merlucciidae (cods, true
hakes,
whitings)
MOCH Mochokidae (scaleless
catfish)
MORM Mormyridae (elephant
fishes)
MUGI Mugilidae (mullets)
NAND Nandidae (leaffish,
nandids)
NOTO Nototheniidae (cod
icefishes)
NOTP Notopteridae
(featherbacks)
OPHI Ophidiidae (brotulas
and cusk-eels)
OPLE Oplegnathidae (parrot
fishes)
OSME Osmeridae (smelts)
PARA Paralichthyidae (halibut)
PERC Percidae (perches)
B-6
-------
PERI Percichthyidae
(temperate basses)
PIME Pimelodidae (S.
American freshwater
catfish)
PLCO Plecoglossidae (Ayu)
PLEU Pleuronectidae (righteye
flounders)
PLTS Plotosidae (eeltail
catfishes)
PLYD Polyodotidae
(paddlefishes)
PLYN Polynemidae
(threadfins)
POEC Poeciliidae (livebearers)
POMA Pomacentridae
(damselfishes)
PRCO Percopsidae (trout
perch)
SALM Salmonidae (trouts,
salmons)
SCHI Schilibeidae (African
and Asian freshwater
catfish)
SCIA Sciaenidae (drums)
SCOM Scombridae (mackerels,
tunas)
SCOR Scorpaenidae (scorpion
fishes)
SERR Serranidae (sea basses)
SILG Sillaginidae (smelt-
whitings)
SILU Siluridae (Eurasian
freshwater catfish)
SOLE Soleidae (soles)
SPAR Sparidae (porgies)
SYNB Synbranchidae (swamp
eels)
SYNG Syngnathidae
(seahorses, pipefishes)
TACH Tachysuridae (catfish)
TETR Tetraodontidae (puffers)
THER Theraponidae (tigerfish)
TRIG Triglidae (gurnards and
searobins)
UMBR Umbridae (mudminnow)
AMPHIBIA (AM)
By Family
AM BY Ambystomatidae
(salamanders)
AMPB Amphibians (more than
one group)
BUFO Bufonidae (common
toads)
HYLI Hylidae (tree frogs)
HYNO Hynobiidae (primitive
salamanders)
LEPT Leptodactylidae (frogs)
MICR Microhylidae
(narrow-mouthed toads)
PELO Pelobatidae (spadefoot
toads)
PIPI Pipidae (clawed toads)
RANI Ranidae (common
frogs)
SALA Salamandridae (true
salamanders)
B-7
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APPENDIX C
EFFECT CODES
The LC50/EC50 endpoint is a statistically derived, estimated toxicity test endpoint. An
LC50 is the median lethal concentration and is used only when death is the observed
endpoint. An EC50 is the median effective concentration and is used when an effect
other than death is the observed endpoint. In AQUIRE, an EC50 is usually followed
by an abbreviation that defines the specific effect measured; occasionally the author
does not specify the effect measured. The endpoint is then recorded as an EC50.
Effects reported after the organisms are transferred to recovery (toxicant free) test
chambers or tanks are recorded as delayed effects. Delayed effects are reported only
if no other exposure effects are specified. To distinguish delayed effects in AQUIRE
the effect abbreviation is preceded with the character ~.
EFFECT CODE ABBREVIATIONS
ABD - Abundance: Number of organisms within the same species changes.
ABN - Abnormalities: Physical malformation during developmental stages.
AVO - Avoidance: Avoidance or attraction to a chemical gradient.
BEH - Behavior: Quantifiable change in activity including trained behavior,
temperature preference, shell valve closure.
BCF - Bioconcentration factor. Accumulation of a toxicant in the tissues of the
test organism compared to the measured toxicant concentration in the
water in which the organism was exposed;
BCF = g/kg chemical in fish tissue (wet weight)
g/L chemical in H2O
BCFD - Bioconcentration factor derived using dry weight.
BIO - Biochemical effect: Change in physiochemical process including
glycogen uptake, cholesterol levels and lipid analysis.
BMS - Biomass: Change in the amount of living matter in a defined area.
C-1
-------
BSA - Byssal attachment: Change in ability to attach to substrate.
GEL - Cellular effect: Change in organelle structure.
CLN - Rate of colonization: Change in ability to colonize an uninhibited
substrate under toxicant stress.
CLR - Chlorophyll: Measurable change in chlorophyll content including
chlorophyll a content, chlorosis, change in algal cell pigment.
CYT - Cytogenetic effect: Changes in the RNA and DMA of the cell.
DRF - Drift: Change in number of larval aquatic insects to travel a given
distance in a stream.
DVP - Development: Change in ability to grow to a more mature life stage and
in time between separate life stages, including metamorphosis, molting,
emergence and yolk absorption effects.
EC50 - Median Effective Concentration. Used when an effect other than death
is the observed endpoint.
ECxx - Effective Concentration to xx% of tested organisms.
EC50AB - Abnormalities
EC50AV - Avoidance
EC50BA - Byssal Attachment
EC50BH - Behavior
EC50BM - Biomass
EC50CD - Cell Division
EC50CH - Chlorophyll
EC50CL - Case Leaving
EC50DE - Detection of Toxicant
EC50DT - Detachment
EC50DV - Development
EC50EM - Emergence
EC50EP - Egg Production
EC50EQ - Loss of Equilibrium
EC50EZ - Enzyme Activity
EC50FC - Food Consumption
EC50FD - Reduced First Feeding
EC50FR - Filtration Rate
EC50GR - Growth
EC50HA - Hatchability
C-2
-------
EC50HM - Hemorrhage
EC50IM - Immobilization
EC50IR - Irritation
EC50MI - Migration Suppression
EC50NF - Nitrogen Fixation
EC50OX - Oxygen Production
EC50PC - Pop. Carrying Capacity
EC50PG - Pigment Change
EC50PH - Physiological
EC50PP - Population Size Reduction
EC50PS - Photosynthesis
EC50PU - Pupation
EC50RE - Reproduction
EC50RG - Regeneration
EC50SC - Shell Valve Closure
EC50SH - Shell Deposition
EC50TE - Teratogenesis
EC50SW - Swimming Incidence
ENZ - Enzyme effect: Change in enzyme activity.
ET50 - Mean Estimated Survival Time.
EQU - Equilibrium: Change in ability to maintain balance.
FCR - Food consumption rate: Quantifiable change in rate of ingestion or fecal
pellet production.
FLT - Filtration rate: Change in rate of filtration.
GRO - Growth: Measurable change in length and/or weight of test organism.
HAT - Hatchability: Change in percent hatch or time to hatch.
HEM - Hematological effect: Change in various blood parameters such as red
blood cell count, hematocrit, and serum osmolarity.
HIS - Histological effect: Presence of physical damage to tissues.
HPS - Hepatosomatic index: Change in hepatosomatic index.
HRM - Hormone effect: Change in hormone concentration.
C-3
-------
LC50 - Median Lethal Concentration. Used only when death is the observed
endpoint. TLms, TLSOs, and ECSOs with death as the measured
endpoint are considered identical to LCSOs (see LC50*).
LC50* - Represents TLm, TL50, or ECSOs with death as the measured endpoint.
LCxx - Lethal Concentration to xx % of tested organisms.
L050 - Median Lethal Concentration when exposed through injection or diet.
LET - Lethal: 100 % mortality or 0 % survival including algicidal and herbicidal
effects.
LOG - Locomotor behavior: Quantifiable change in direct movement or activity.
LT50 - Lethal Threshold Concentration.
LT50* - Mean Survival Time. Represents time until death of 50 % of the tested
organisms.
MOR - Mortality: Effect expressed as % death or % survival.
MOT - Motility: Change in ability to move. Used for single cell organisms.
NFX - Nitrogen fixation: Change in ability of an algal culture to fix nitrogen.
OC - Oxygen consumption. Quantifiable change in oxygen uptake of test
animal or its tissues, measured in terms of ml 02/h/g wt. Does not
include oxygen uptake for plants (see PSE).
PGR - Population growth: Change in cell number of algal species.
PHY - Physiological effects: Changes in the organic processes or functions of
an organism or any of its parts. Effects include metabolic stress, caloric
content, membrane permeability, osmoregulation, cough frequency,
animal pigment changes, urine production, chemosensory response,
heart beat, structural changes, and neurological effects among others.
POP - Population: Change in number of species groups in a given community;
i.e., species diversity.
PR - Phototactic response: Attraction to or avoidance of light.
C-4
-------
PRB - Predatory behavior: Change in ability and inclination to seek and
capture prey.
PRV - Predation vulnerability: Change in ability to avoid or escape capture.
PSE - Photosynthesis effect: Change in plant productivity indicated by Press
change in 14C or CO2 uptake or oxygen production.
REP - Reproductive effects: Change in male and/or female reproductive
ability. Effect is indicated by number of young per female, time to
spawn, egg production, broods per female, fertilization.
RES - Respiratory effect: Change in ventilatory rate or breathing activity, such
as opercular movement. Not used for plants (see PSE).
RGN - Regeneration: Change in ability to regenerate a body part.
RSD - Residue: Used for tissue concentration data when a BCF is not
reported or not calculated, or when BCFs are reported as zero, trace or
not detected.
SIR - Stress: Observed physiological tension in animals or plants.
TER - Teratogenesis: Quantifiable occurrence of abnormal offspring.
THL - Thermal effect: Change in tolerance to temperature change.
TMR - Tumor occurrence: Presence of a mass of abnormal tissue.
VTE - Vertebral effect: Physical change in vertebral structure and/or
composition leading to scoliosis, lordosis, etc.
~xxx - Any effect (xxx) reported after the organisms are transferred to recovery
(toxicant free) test chambers.
C-5
-------
AQUatic toxicty Information REtrieval database
JUNE 1993
AQUIRE USER UPDATE
1. ACCESS
Password: The new ERLD_ORD account password (OECDDATA) is effective on June 30, 1993.
New Access Sheet: A revised Access Sheet for EPA ERL-Duluth's Aquatic Ecotoxicology Data
Systems is enclosed. The new Access Sheet includes updated User Support Telephone and Fax
numbers. Please discard all previous access sheets. AQUIRE User Updates are distributed to all
public sector clients registered on the Scientific Outreach mailing list. Please remember to forward
all new data system access information to the system users that you represent.
Scheduled Access Interruption: Dial-in service to the NCC will not be available from 6:00 a.m.,
EDT, Saturday, July 10, 1993, until 6:00 a.m., EDT, Monday, July 12, 1993 to allow for equipment
upgrades. Thereafter, the appearance of the dial-in menu will be slightly different, but log-in
procedures remain unchanged. Please continue to follow present access instructions. This scheduled
interruption should affect dial-in users only.
2. MORE AQUIRE DATA / NEW AQUIRE FEATURES !!!!
1989-1993 Literature: Since the November 1992 edition of the AQUIRE User Update, 3 data
updates were made to the database. Through these updates, a total of 2,265 individual aquatic
toxicity test entries were modified or added to the system. AQUIRE now offers data contributed
through an international data exchange clearinghouse with the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Borok Institute in Russia. The current release
of AQUIRE delivers data submitted from Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia.
New Data Output Options: New AQUIRE features include a data output option that displays
chemical characteristic information (e.g. purity, grade) using the customized column output report,
and a report generation option (Full Record Detail) that displays the entire AQUIRE record for
each test identified in a search. The standard report remains an available option for rapid viewing
of system output. Selection of the Full Record Detail option allows the user to peruse all AQUIRE
fields for a given test, while the standard AQUIRE output format presents selected data fields in
a concise table.
3. SCIENTIFIC OUTREACH
The ERL-Duluth Scientific Outreach Program is committed to the provision of effective technical
user services. Please call or fax AQUIRE inquiries to the Scientific Outreach Program at the new
numbers listed below. Thank you for your continued support of AQUIRE and interest in ERL-
Duluth ecotoxicology data systems!
Tel: (218) 722-0075 or (218) 720-5602 Fax: (218) 720-5539
Scientific Outreach Program. U.S. EPA, Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
6201 Conedon B/vd, Duluth, MN 55804
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How to Access EPA ERL-Duluth's Aquatic Ecotoxicology Data Systems
06/15/93 „,
JUN 2 4 1993
STEP ONE: Connecting to the computer
Choose the method best suited to your situation from those that
follow. in all cases, it is best to be using either a computer
terminal that supports the DEC extended ANSI standard or else a
computer that is running software to emulate the behavior of a
DEC ANSI terminal such as a VT100 or a VT102. Many communication
programs (e.g. CROSSTALK, PROCOMM, PC-Kermit) allow you to select
one of these. (Public domain PC-Kermit also supports graphics.)
If you have difficulty making the connection, you can get help from
the communications personnel at the EPA Network Control Facility.
If they ask for your user ID, your username is ERLD_ORD on VAXTMl.
Call EPA NCF at 800-334-0741 or 919-541-4506 or FAX 919-541-3818.
A. VAX computers on EPA's DECnet
If you arelogged onto a VAX computer
on EPA's DECnet, simply use the command SET HOST VAXTMl
B. Prime computers on EPA's Primenet
If you are logged onto a Prime computer
on EPA's Primenet, use the Primes command NETLINK -TO VAXTMl
C. PathWorks PCs on EPA's WAN
EPA PCs running Pathworks may use SETHOST VAXTMl CTERM:
or else the equivalent command SETHOST 1.12 CTERM:
D. Computers on Internet
For access via internet, use telnet epavax.rtpnc.epa.gov
or else the equivalent command telnet 134.67.208.95
E. IBM 3270 access via a dedicated circuit .
If you are a 3270 user connected to the NCC IBM through a dedicated
circuit, see page 2 for special STEP ONE instructions. However,
the other methods would provide several advantages over this one.
F. Everyone else (via modem to the EPA National Computer Center)
Call the EPA Network Control Facility (see above) . Ask for
instructions on how to access the VAXTMl computer at NCC. They can
help you determine the best method. If you need to use a modem to
dial in, they will supply you with the best phone number for your
location and modem speed. Before purchasing any modem, ask EPA NCF
about their modem test results. Ask your local computer staff for
instructions on how to use a modem at your site. Set the modem for
7 data bits, even parity, and 1 stop bit. When connecting,
press ENTER a few times to allow detection of your modem's speed.
You will see a menu. Respond by entering the word VAXTMl
(Do not be troubled if VAXTMl is not on the menu.)
STEP TWO: Logging into the account
Press ENTER. You should see the prompt for Username:
Your response (including the underline) is ERLD_ORD
Enter the current password following Password:
If this fails, heed any message given. Press ENTER to try again.
For further information or assistance, please call the ERL-Duluth
Scientific Outreach Program at 218-720-5602 or FAX 218-720-5539
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2
Accessing EPA ERL-D's Aquatic Ecotoxicology Data Systems (cont.)
Special STEP ONE instructions for 3270 users of the NCC IBM
1. Use your local computer staff's instructions for starting the
NCC NETSOL application. The menu title should look like this:
NETMAIN U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Date:
Menu System Time:
2. At the "Command ===>" prompt, enter VAXTMl
You may now proceed with STEP TWO of the normal instructions.
Some 3270 Tips for Emulating a VT100 Using A-NET
IMPORTANT: DO NOT TYPE INPUT WHENEVER THE SCREEN IS CHANGING.
During your session on the VAX, you can press PA2 to display the
main menu of the A-NET communication program. From there you can
see/change key definitions (KEYBOARD option) or other settings.
Use the T (TERMINAL) option to return to your VAX session.
The first 18 PF keys are predefined to emulate the 18 keys on a
VT100 keypad. You can look at any VT100 keypad diagram and
easily match the keys to the appropriate PF keys on your terminal
just by reading across in rows. The first row of four keys
(PF1-PF4) correspond to the first four PF keys, the second row
in the diagram* matches the second four PF keys, and so on.
PF19 is defined as CONTROL. Whenever a control key is needed
(e.g. Ctrl-Z or ~Z), press the corresponding letter followed by
PF19. Remember: 'Nineteen for Nonprinting control characters.
Here are some common control key equivalents:
H PF19 -Ctrl-H -Backspace L PF19 -Ctrl-L -Form Feed
I PF19 -Ctrl-l -Horizontal Tab M PF19 -Ctrl-M -Carriage Return
J PF19 =Ctrl-J -Line Feed { PF19 =Ctrl-{ -Escape
PF20 is a transmit key. Like ENTER, it will send your input to
the VAX. Unlike ENTER, it will not append New Line characters to
your input. Use ENTER whenever a DEC user would use the RETURN
key. Use PF20 whenever applications are designed to respond to
key strokes immediately without waiting for the RETURN key (e.g.
selecting menu'items by letter). Remember: Twenty to Transmit.
PF21 through PF24 correspond respectively to the four arrow keys
on an ANSI terminal: up, down, left and right. PAl is DELETE.
Since this is a new way to access our data systems, we are
especially interested in your comments. You can leave them in
the COMMENTS option while on-line or call the Outreach number at
the bottom of page 1. If you have any questions specifically
about using the A-NET communication program, call user support:
EPA User Support 800-334-2405
or 919-541-7862
or FAX 919-541-0028
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