How Do You Conduct Reference Toxicity Tests With Lettuce Seeds?
According to recent studies by the Environmental Defense and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “The vast majority of chemicals in widespread commercial use lack basic toxicity data in the public record.” So, knowing how to conduct your own reference toxicity tests is a useful skill. The following is an example experiment explaining how to use lettuce seeds to determine the reference toxicity of table salt. You can alter this experiment to test the toxicity of other chemical compounds, as well. Make a bleach solution containing 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water. Soak the lettuce seeds in this mixture for 20 minutes. Remove the seeds, and rinse them in water five times. It’s best to use distilled or deionized water, but tap water works as well. Cut paper towels or coffee filters into five 7.5 cm circles. Place one 7.5 cm circle into a petri dish, and label five dishes with the following concentration levels: 0.2, 0.1, 0.075, 0.05 and 0.025. Make a testing solution by mixing
