Question

The study of the toxic effects of pollutants is called

• A. Biology
• B. Biochemistry
• C. Histology
• D. Bioassay

Hint:

Toxicology Terms: BIOASSAY = Experimental testing of pollutant toxicity on living organisms to determine $LC_{50}$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Aquatic toxicology and environmental testing: bioassays quantify the potency, concentration, and lethal toxicity thresholds ($LC_{50} / EC_{50}$) of chemical pollutants on living aquatic organisms.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Toxicity Bioassay} \implies \text{Determines Median Lethal Concentration } (96\text{ h } LC_{50}) \text{ on Bio-indicators} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Definitions in environmental biology and toxicology:
1. Bioassay (Biological Assay) (D): The experimental laboratory testing method used to evaluate, measure, and quantify the toxic effects, physiological responses, and lethal concentrations of pollutants, effluents, heavy metals, or xenobiotics using living test organisms (e.g., Daphnia, zebra fish, fingerlings) as biological indicators.
2. Histology: Microscopic study of tissues.
3. Biochemistry: Study of chemical processes within living organisms.
4. (Toxicology is the broader field; among listed options, Bioassay specifically evaluates pollutant toxicity).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the study/testing of toxic effects of pollutants is Bioassay, matching option (D).