Ranking of aquatic effect tests using hasse diagrams

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Abstract
Modeling mathematically the effects of chemicals on aquatic population systems needs information about effect concentrations. Due to environmental protection aims and the complex nature of aquatic ecosystems, a diverse set of tests has been established. In this paper 31 tests are discussed, selected from a total of 55 tests, which should be suitable for mathematical modeling or show some ecosystemic relevance. We introduced eight criteria by which the tests were evaluated and used Hasse diagrams to present the results. We found out that there exists no superior test. However, eight tests with specific, useful abilities were identified. The concept of equivalence and order relations contributes to analyze such kind of complex information. The ranking may be influenced by the criteria used, therefore a sensitivity study was performed, which shows that the criterion concerning ecosystemic relevance was the most important. Many examples help to outline the use of Hasse diagrams. The role of equivalence classes is discussed and a newly introduced stability index is applied.