This study consisted of a 10-day whole sediment toxicity test with the chironomid Chironomus riparius and a 28-day sediment toxicity test with the oligochaete Tubifex tubifex at seven sites to assess the quality of the River Lambro (Italy), one of the most contaminated rivers of the Po Basin. Endpoints measured were survival and growth for chironomids and cocoon deposition and development of young worms for tubificid oligochaetes. Responses were evaluated in relation to the occurence of organic micropollutants (PCBs, DDT, HCB, and HCH) representative of the industrial and agricultural contamination of the area. Though survival of the organisms remained unaffected, sublethal effects were observed at all sites.

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