Circular 28: Evaluation of Toxicity of Pollutants in Dredged Material

In Article 12 of Circular 28/2019/TT-BTNMT, regulations on the assessment of the toxicity of pollutants in dredged material are conducted with selected organisms based on the following factors:

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- Regular exposure to sediments in the projected dumping area; sensitivity to pollutants in dredged material;

- Ability to withstand the physical and chemical conditions of dredged material;

- Compatibility with exposure methods and toxicity endpoints; suitable for standardized application procedures ensuring quality for comparative results between laboratories;

- Obtainable samples from cultivations or the field; easy to preserve in the laboratory; easy to identify; short to medium life cycle;

- Ecological and economic value; wide geographical distribution; native species or those with an ecological niche similar to the species of interest in the projected dumping area.

The Circular prescribes the selection of methods for carrying out toxicity testing of pollutants in dredged material following the methods specified in the corresponding current national technical standards and regulations. In cases where the method for toxicity testing of pollutants in dredged material is not included in the current national technical standards and regulations, the guidelines ASTME1367-99, ASTME1525-02, ASTME139L-03, ASTME1706-05, ASTME1367-03 shall be applied.

Regarding the assessment of the toxicity level of pollutants in dredged material as follows:

- In cases where the number of affected individuals is less than or equal to 10% of the total tested individuals, perform a bioconcentration study of pollutants in dredged material as stipulated in Article 13 of this Circular;

- In cases where the number of affected individuals is more than 10% of the total tested individuals, compile results and include them in the dumping Project content.

More details can be found in: Circular 28/2019/TT-BTNMT effective from February 18, 2020.

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