Research progress in the whole toxicity evaluation methods of industrial wastewater and their application

In China, the present implemented industrial wastewater discharge standards cannot objectively and correctly evaluate wastewater safety. The characteristics and application of the whole effluent toxicity evaluation methods at home and abroad were systematically summarized. The characteristics and application of whole effluent toxicity (WET), direct toxicity assessment (DTA), and whole effluent assessment (WEA) were emphatically discussed. The deficiencies of the comprehensive toxicity index system and evaluation methods of wastewater in China were analyzed. Reasonable suggestions on the establishment of the comprehensive toxicity methodology were proposed from aspects of species selection, experimental process and evaluation method. Finally, the actual situations of the characteristics of wastewater pollutants, discharge mode and environmental quality of receiving water should be considered as establishing comprehensive toxicity indices and evaluation methodology in line with Chinese national conditions.