Effect Based Monitoring in Water Safety Planning

“Effect-based monitoring using in vitro bioassays and well plate-based in vivo assays has been recommended for water quality monitoring as they can capture the mixture effects of groups of chemicals that elicit the same mode of action. Applied as a complementary tool to targeted chemical analysis, effect-based monitoring can provide valuable input for risk analysis and risk management through Water Safety Plans (WSP). This report aims to help support the integration of effect-based monitoring into WSP frameworks by providing protocols and developing decision-making tools to assist both laboratory staff and WSP teams.
Decision-making tools for bioassay selection and sample collection and processing are provided, with a focus on applying bioassays indicative of activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), activation of the estrogen receptor (ER) and oxidative stress response for wastewater and water reuse for non-potable use. An assay indicative of genotoxicity or mutagenicity is recommended in addition to the above endpoints for drinking water treatment or water reuse for potable use. Further information can be found in the WP3.2 and WP3.3 reports.
To assist laboratory staff, generic guidance for bioassays is provided, with a focus on quality assurance and quality control. Further, available International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines for in vitro bioassays and well plate-based in vivo assays are listed. Technical guidance on bioassay data evaluation is also provided, including how to derive effect concentration (EC) values and how to calculate bioanalytical equivalent concentrations (BEQ).
To assist WSP teams, advice is provided on how effect-based monitoring can be used within WSPs (e.g., for system assessment monitoring, validation monitoring, operational monitoring and verification monitoring), including where in the catchment to customer process to apply bioassays, at what test frequencies and how to set alert level triggers. Guidance is also provided on what to do if the effect in a sample exceeds its effect-based trigger value (EBT) for both Category 1 and Category 2 assays. Finally, case studies that demonstrate how effect-based monitoring can be used to describe water quality (e.g., system assessment monitoring), verify treatment efficacy (e.g., verification monitoring) and validate control measures (e.g., validation monitoring) are provided”

5.3 Development of protocols and user guides
5.4 Development of a decision-making tool for evaluation, selection and harmonization of candidate in vitro bioassays and implementation in water-related policies
Lead institute: Griffith University and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ
Prepared by: Peta Neale, Beate Escher, Frederic Leusch
14 June 2022