Publication Summary

The Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay Xenopus (FETAX) described in this protocol is intended for use in screening level assessments of soil toxicity at hazardous waste sites being investigated under the Washington Model Toxics Control Act Cleanup Regulation. FETAX is a 96-hour static renewal, whole embryo bioassay, that may be used to evaluate the developmental toxicity of a test material. In this protocol, FETAX will be used to assess the toxicity of eluates prepared from field-collected soil samples. Serial dilutions are not required.

The Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay Xenopus (FETAX) described in this protocol is intended for use in screening level assessments of soil toxicity at hazardous waste sites being investigated under the Washington Model Toxics Control Act Cleanup Regulation. FETAX is a 96-hour static renewal, whole embryo bioassay, that may be used to evaluate the developmental toxicity of a test material. In this protocol, FETAX will be used to assess the toxicity of eluates prepared from field-collected soil samples. Serial dilutions are not required.

FETAX is conducted at the embryonic stage of development. This stage of development has demonstrated sensitivity and may provide information that is useful in estimating the chronic toxicity of a test material. FETAX uses dual endpoints, mortality and malformation of embryos to assess developmental toxicity. Validation tests of FETAX have indicated close correlation with other bioassays used for toxicity assessment of single compounds, as well as mixtures.

The testing procedures described in this document are based on the Standard Guide for Conducting FETAX and the Atlas of Abnormalities: A Guide for the Performance of FETAX.