Fig. 7

Aggregating information from different lines of evidence (LOEs) into a weight of evidence matrix specific for each biological quality element to support cause–effect relationships between chemical contamination and ecological effects; Spectrum of outcomes between chemistry (mixture toxicity potential) and ecology (effects at community levels). In situ responses can link between those ends; four main LOEs, including the elements of evidence for which additional information may be included. The in situ LOE includes tests from the sub-organism to the community level. Mechanistic information for different action by pollutants is conserved by differentiation among the LOEs for the different biological quality elements