Technical Bulletin No. 0864: Effects of Timed Exposure to Biologically Treated OD+ECF Bleached Kraft Mill Effluent on Reproduction Responses of Male and Female Fathead Minnows

The primary objectives of the investigations reported in this bulletin were to determine mechanisms of effects on fish reproduction, including the role of bioaccumulation of effluent components, effects of timing of exposure to effluent during the life cycle, and separation of effluent effects on the ability of male or female fish to reproduce. In addition, the effects of a mill optimization project completed since earlier life cycle testing on fathead minnow life cycle responses and whole effluent toxicity (WET) bioassays commonly required in National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits were evaluated. The mill used approximately 70 m3 of water/ADMT (air dried metric tons) to produce 830 ADMT of pulp/day from softwoods.