Planning for the bioassay section of the 14th edition of "Standard 

 Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater" began in 1971. To 

 secure the broad coverage needed to meet the problems facing investiga- 

 tors and furnish methods for bioassays with the broad spectrum of organisms 

 being used or which should be used in the toxicological and water quality 

 studies, subcommittee chairmen were appointed for each of the main groups 

 of organisms commonly used in bioassays--i .e. , phytoplankton, zooplankton 

 (protozoa, copepods, and Daphnia ), corals, worms, crustaceans, aquatic 

 insects, mollusks, and fishes. Although several of the suggested methods 

 had not been extensively tested, it was considered imperative to make a 

 beginning so much-needed methods for these groups could be used and 

 improved. The 14th edition of this work was published in 1975. It is 

 hoped that these suggested methods will provide the base upon which 

 adequate bioassay methods for all the different groups of organisms can be 

 developed to meet the needs for the determination of water quality 

 requirements, the detection and evaluation of pollution, and the supplying 

 of data necessary for setting effluent requirements, granting discharge 

 permits, and enforcement actions. 



The passage of Public Law 92-500 in 1972 added another great need and 

 impetus for research to supply the required information for pollution 

 abatement. Research for the determination of water quality requirements on 

 which water quality standards must be based is now developing and expanding 

 rapidly, and more of it is now in the right direction. I have had the 

 privilege of knowing the men who pioneered water pollution research from 

 1910 to 1930 and discussing problems with them. These contacts and my 

 field and laboratory investigations in aquatic biology, ecology, environ- 

 mental improvement, fisheries management, pollution abatement, and water 

 quality requirements since 1928 have been a wonderful experience. Although 

 much remains to be done and there have been mistakes and defeats, good 

 progress is now being made. With qualified and motivated leaders, well 

 trained and experienced in the work they are supervising, and competent 

 dedicated workers, pollution can be abated. 



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