October 17, 2003

Mr. George Lawton
Endocrine/Estrogen Letter

Dear Mr. Lawton:

The paper by Duft et al., while novel in approach, has shortcomings which preclude its usefulness in evaluating the effects of biodegradable and absorptive test chemicals such as nonylphenol and octylphenol in the fresh water mudsnail. Studies like this highlight the difficulties in designing statistically robust, validated protocols that incorporate good analytical characterization of exposure levels and a well-defined understanding of husbandry to address reproductive effects in sediment-dwelling invertebrates. In recognition of the need for validated guideline protocols that will stand up to scientific scrutiny, a multi-stakeholder group is operating under the auspices of the UK Environment Agency to establish basic husbandry requirements and a validated protocol for Marisa cornuarietis, a snail species that has been used for other ecotox research.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Fensterheim
Executive Director

 

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