This document specifies a method for assessing the effects of chemical and aqueous samples on the embryo-larval development of marine bivalves. This method allows the determination of the concentration levels that result in an abnormality in embryo-larval development. This test is suitable for salinity ranges:

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between 20 PSU (practical salinity unit) and 40 PSU for mussels, and

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between 25 PSU and 35 PSU for oysters.

This method in this document applies to:

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chemical substances and preparations,

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marine and brackish waters,

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streams and aqueous effluents (urban, agricultural, industrial effluents, etc.) as long as the salinity is adjusted or dilution is limited so that the aforementioned salinity ranges are respected,

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aqueous extracts (pore water, elutriates, eluates and leachates) from sediments and petroleum products, and

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samples of contaminated sediment or dredged material (see Annex C).