ISO 10229-1994 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10229:1994 — Water quality — Determination of the prolonged toxicity of substances to freshwater fish — Method for evaluating the effects of substances on the growth rate of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Specifies a standardized laboratory method to measure long‑term, sublethal effects of water‑soluble substances on the growth rate of rainbow trout and to assign a category of prolonged sublethal toxicity under defined test conditions.

Abstract

This International Standard specifies a method for determination of long‑term sublethal toxicity of substances soluble in water to a freshwater anadromous fish species (rainbow trout). The primary endpoint is change in growth rate; results are used to categorize prolonged sublethal toxicity of test substances under specified exposure and husbandry conditions.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed in ISO systematic review process).
• Publication date: 1994‑12 (Edition 1; published 17 November 1994 / formal edition dated December 1994).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.060.70 (Water quality — toxicology and ecotoxicology).
• Edition / version: Edition 1, 1994.
• Number of pages: 12.

(Publication, status, ICS, edition and page count as recorded in the ISO catalogue.)

Scope

Defines a laboratory test procedure to assess prolonged (chronic, sublethal) toxicity of water‑soluble substances to Oncorhynchus mykiss by measuring effects on individual and population growth rates under controlled temperature, illumination and water quality. The method is applicable for assigning each test substance to a prolonged sublethal toxicity category for the species and test conditions specified.

Key topics and requirements

• Test species and starting size: rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), with specified age/weight range at test start.
• Test design: preliminary acute test (e.g., 96 h LC50) to select concentration range, followed by a chronic test with multiple concentrations (recommended minimum concentrations and replicates specified).
• Primary endpoint: growth rate (individual or group); reporting of NOEC and LOEC and derivation of inhibition concentrations where applicable.
• Exposure regime: flow‑through preferred; semi‑static allowed with specified renewal frequency; analytical verification of concentrations recommended.
• Husbandry and environmental controls: specified temperature range, dissolved oxygen limits, pH ranges, feeding regime, tank volumes and handling to reduce stress and variability.
• Quality and analytical requirements: limits on solvent use and solvent controls, measurement of actual test concentrations where feasible, and requirements for reporting and statistical treatment of results.

These points summarise the principal technical requirements and test elements described in the standard.

Typical use and users

Used by ecotoxicology laboratories, environmental testing and monitoring agencies, regulatory toxicologists, chemical manufacturers and consultants performing chronic fish toxicity testing and environmental risk assessments. Typical applications include chemical classification, effluent assessment, regulatory submissions and research on sublethal effects in fish.

Related standards

Related ISO and international methods for aquatic toxicity include other ISO fish‑toxicity and aquatic test standards (for example, ISO methods for acute fish toxicity and related procedures). National and regional methods for fish acute/chronic testing (and standards referenced for sampling and laboratory quality) are commonly used alongside ISO 10229:1994.

Keywords

ISO 10229, prolonged toxicity, chronic toxicity, rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, growth rate, NOEC, LOEC, flow‑through, semi‑static, water quality, ecotoxicology.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10229:1994 is an ISO International Standard that specifies a laboratory method for determining prolonged (long‑term, sublethal) toxicity of water‑soluble substances to rainbow trout, using growth‑rate effects as the primary endpoint.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test design, species and size at test start, exposure methods (flow‑through and semi‑static), environmental and husbandry conditions, analytical and quality requirements, endpoints (growth rate, NOEC/LOEC) and reporting/statistical considerations for chronic fish tests.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Ecotoxicology laboratories, regulators and environmental agencies, chemical and effluent testing groups, consultants and research organizations involved in aquatic toxicity assessment and environmental risk assessment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of ISO’s catalogue review, ISO 10229:1994 remains published and was confirmed in ISO’s systematic review process (most recently confirmed in 2024), so this edition is current rather than withdrawn or superseded. Users should always check the ISO catalogue or their national standards body for any subsequently published revisions after 2024.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It forms part of ISO’s water‑quality/toxicology collection developed under ISO/TC 147 and related committees; it is typically used alongside other ISO aquatic toxicity standards (acute and chronic methods) and national/regional test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: prolonged toxicity, chronic fish test, rainbow trout, growth rate, NOEC, LOEC, water quality, ecotoxicology, ISO 10229.