Complete suite of aquatic ecotoxicology studies to support registrations for Plant Protection Products (PPPs), pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and REACH

All studies are designed and performed by experienced scientific and technical teams in accordance with current OECD, EPA/OPPTS, and JMAFF guidelines as applicable for registration. Where guideline methods are insufficient, custom non standard or higher tier approaches (e.g., pulsed exposure, microcosms, SSDs) are available after protocol agreement.

Analytical dose verification and test‑item fate (dissolution, stability, partitioning, sorption) are run in parallel to the biological phase wherever feasible to maintain exposure control and traceability.

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Algae and macrophytes

We assess the effects on primary producers under static, semi-static, or flow-through conditions.

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Test design (vessel geometry, mixing regime, light spectrum/intensity, DOC control) and medium composition are selected based on physicochemical properties of the test item (including difficult to test substances).

Alternative species, tailored endpoints, and species sensitivity distribution (SSD) assessments are also offered.

Algae

  • Algal Growth Inhibition (green, blue green, diatoms; marine diatoms available):
    OECD 201 / OPPTS 850.5400 / JMAFF 277 / ISO 10253 / ISO 8692
     

Macrophytes

  • Lemna gibba/Lemna minor growth inhibition: OECD 221
  • Myriophyllum toxicity: OECD 238 (sediment free) and OECD 239 (water–sediment)
     

Species availability (examples)

  • Year-round monocots: Heteranthera zosterifolia, Egeria densa, Elodea canadensis, Glyceria maxima, Wolffia arrhiza, Spirodela polyrhiza, Vallisneria spiralis
  • Year-round eudicots: Nasturtium officinale, Myriophyllum sibiricum, Hottonia palustris
  • Seasonal eudicots: Callitriche palustris, Ranunculus aquatilis, Nymphoides peltata, Veronica beccabunga, Hippuris vulgaris
  • Algae: Desmodesmus, Pseudokirchneriella, Chlorella, Chlamydomonas, Anabaena, Navicula
  • Marine diatoms: Skeletonema costatum, Phaeodactylum tricornutum
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Aquatic invertebrates

We offer acute and chronic testing in freshwater and marine systems under static, semi-static, or flow-through exposure.

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Daphnia

  • Acute immobilization: OECD 202 / OCSPP 850.1010 / JMAFF 2‑7‑2‑1
  • Reproduction: OECD 211 / OCSPP 850.1300
     

Sediment‑associated taxa (Chironomus)

  • Acute immobilization: OECD 235
  • Sediment–water toxicity: OECD 218 / 219
  • Life‑cycle toxicity: OECD 233
     

Oligochaetes (Lumbriculus)

  • Sediment–water toxicity: OECD 225
  • Bioaccumulation (sediment‑dwelling): OECD 315
     

Higher‑tier and community tests
Additional taxa e.g., Asellus, Gammarus, Chaoborus, Culex, Cyclopoida, Odonata, Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera and microcosm designs (multi‑species) available for refined effect assessment.

Where relevant, protocols incorporate OECD GD 23 for difficult substances (e.g., low water solubility, volatility, instability) and pulsed exposure profiles for refined risk assessment. 

Chronic tests with radiolabeled and non-radiolabeled material are supported by inhouse analytical determination (parent and, where relevant, degradates/biotransformation products).

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Aquatic vertebrates (fish)

We perform acute and chronic tests with zebrafish, rainbow trout, fathead minnow, medaka, carp and other species on request.

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Key studies

  • Acute toxicity: OECD 203 / OPPTS 850.1075
  • Embryo toxicity (FET): OECD 236
  • Early life stage (ELS): OECD 210
  • Juvenile growth: OECD 215
  • Bioaccumulation (kinetic & BCF): OECD 305 (also options for oysters/other species)
     

Exposure systems & infrastructure

  • Static, semi‑static, and flow‑through designs
  • Dosing systems: peristaltic, HPLC pumps, diluters
  • Water matrices: purified tap or reconstituted water (ISO 6341)
  • Automated water provision; temperature-controlled laboratories
  • In‑house culturing (zebrafish, medaka, fathead minnow); local supply for trout, carp
     

Test model selection is based on jurisdictional requirements.

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Endocrine disruptor studies (fish and amphibians)

We evaluate the potential for chemical substances to affect the endocrine systems of mammalian, vertebrate and invertebrate species.



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Our experts have developed specific tests and methods, aligned with OECD and associated guidance documents, in response to the related legislative framework including US Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP), as well as the European regulations regarding Plant Protection Products (1107/2009), REACH (1907/2006), Biocides (528/2012), Human Pharmaceuticals and associated ERA Guidance, CLP Regulation (1272/2008).

Assays

  • Fish short term reproduction (FSTRA): OECD 229
  • 21‑day estrogen/androgen/aromatase screen: OECD 230
  • Amphibian metamorphosis (AMA; Xenopus laevis): OECD 231
  • Fish sexual development (FSDT): OECD 234
  • Medaka extended one-generation (MEOGRT): OECD 240
  • Larval amphibian growth & development (LAGDA): OECD 241
  • Xenopus eleuthero embryonic thyroid assay (XETA): OECD 248
  • Fish full life‑cycle / ZEOGRT: OECD guideline under validation
     

We also offer in-house genetic sex determination for endocrine endpoints; guidance on assay selection and sequencing for weight of evidence evaluations.

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Studies with microbial pest control agents

Supporting microbiology and molecular biology capabilities.

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Full analytical support is performed in-house for algae, daphnia, and fish studies with microbial products, including method development/validation, 5‑batch testing, survivability. 

Microbial contaminant testing is available via partner laboratories.
Integration is possible with selected terrestrial assays (e.g., Aphidius, Typhlodromus, Apis mellifera) on request.