ASTM E1023-23

Overview

ASTM E1023-23: Standard Guide for Assessing the Hazard of a Material to Aquatic Organisms and Their Uses is an international standard developed by ASTM Committee E50.47. This guide describes a systematic, stepwise process for evaluating the potential adverse effects of chemical materials on aquatic organisms and the benefits derived from aquatic environments. It enables producers, users, regulatory agencies, and environmental professionals to comprehensively compare alternative materials, fully assess candidate materials, or reassess substances already in use. By emphasizing iterative assessment and the efficient use of resources, this standard is critical for supporting responsible environmental management and regulatory compliance related to aquatic toxicology and chemical hazard assessment.

Key Topics

• Stepwise Hazard Assessment: The standard offers a phased, iterative approach to hazard assessment, progressing from low-cost use of existing data, to medium-cost targeted testing, and finally to high-cost, in-depth environmental and toxicological analysis as needed.
• Data Integration: The process synthesizes biological, chemical, physical, and toxicological data to estimate environmental concentrations and predict possible effects on aquatic organisms.
• Iterative Decision-Making: At each phase, decisions are made regarding whether the hazard is minimal, potentially excessive, or uncertain, prompting further investigation only when necessary.
• Continuous Reassessment: Hazards must be periodically reviewed and reassessed in light of new information, changes in production or usage, or the discovery of new environmental or toxicological impacts.
• Application Scope: While the standard primarily addresses effects on aquatic organisms, it also recommends considering potential impacts on non-aquatic species and encourages integration with broader ecological hazard and risk assessment frameworks.

Applications

The practical value of ASTM E1023-23 lies in its flexibility and comprehensive guidance, making it suitable for a range of applications, including:

• Regulatory Compliance: Companies can demonstrate due diligence in assessing environmental hazards, supporting compliance with local, national, and international regulations regarding chemical management and environmental protection.
• Product and Material Evaluation: Producers and users can evaluate new or existing chemicals before, during, and after commercialization to ensure minimal hazard to aquatic systems.
• Risk Management: The guide supports robust environmental risk assessments by identifying when additional data collection or risk mitigation measures are warranted.
• Environmental Impact Assessments: Environmental consultants and researchers can use the standard for developing or updating site-specific or regional aquatic hazard assessments.
• Resource Optimization: By using existing information and deploying higher-cost resources only when required, organizations can manage testing costs while maintaining scientific integrity.
• Periodic Reassessment: Ongoing monitoring and reassessment help organizations respond rapidly to new data or changes in production, use, or disposal practices that may alter the hazard profile.

Related Standards

ASTM E1023-23 is complemented by several other ASTM standards that provide terminology, detailed test methods, and specific procedures for evaluating toxicity and environmental fate in aquatic systems, including:

• ASTM D1129: Terminology Relating to Water
• ASTM E724: Conducting Static Short-Term Chronic Toxicity Tests with Saltwater Bivalve Molluscs
• ASTM E729: Conducting Acute Toxicity Tests with Fishes, Macroinvertebrates, and Amphibians
• ASTM E1022: Conducting Bioconcentration Tests with Fishes and Saltwater Bivalve Molluscs
• ASTM E1191, E1193, E1218, E1241, E1415: Additional guides for life-cycle and toxicity testing across various aquatic species
• ASTM E1706: Measuring Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates

By integrating ASTM E1023-23 with these related standards, organizations can build comprehensive, scientifically-sound approaches to aquatic hazard assessment, ensuring environmental protection and regulatory compliance.