CHARACTERIZATION OF TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) TOXICITY TO Ceriodaphnia dubia ASSOCIATED WITH EFFLUENT DISCHARGES FROM A MEAT PACKAGING INDUSTRY

Abstract

Characterization of total dissolved solids (TDS) toxicity of effluent discharges from a meat packaging company was
determined with Ceriodaphnia dubia 3-brood toxicity tests. Results showed that chloride was the primary toxic element of
TDS in the effluent. However, other ions such as sulfate and sodium contributed to TDS toxicity, especially when they
were in an excessive amount. C. dubia was able to tolerate TDS as high as 2943.55 and 1314.76 mg/l based on acute
and chronic effects, respectively. These findings indicate that TDS is not a good regulatory predictor for toxicity.
Keywords: TDS, chloride, major ion toxicity, chronic toxicity test, Ceriodaphnia dubia