Agrochemical Bioaccumulation Testing
Bioaccumulation refers to the enrichment of chemicals in an organism. The uptake of substances occurs either through food (biomagnification) or directly from the abiotic environment (bioconcentration). Experimentally determined bioaccumulation factors are important factors in the risk assessment of chemical substance. For highly lipophilic chemicals (logP>5), bioconcentration studies are often difficult to perform. The poor water solubility of lipophilic substances makes it difficult to adjust stable test concentrations and, under certain conditions, may lead to inaccurate measurements of the test substances in the medium. The ultimate purpose of these studies is to determine the biomagnification factor (BMF). In recent years, the persistence of pesticides has been observed in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The presence of pesticides in the environment leads to their entry into biological systems where they accumulate in organisms. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of pesticides have led to lethal and sublethal effects in animals and humans. Therefore, the use of agrochemicals is already regulated and safety is ensured through testing, risk assessment and licensing.
Figure 1. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of BMAA in the food chain and impact on human health. (Dunlop, R. A.; Guillemin, G. J. 2019)
BOC Sciences Agrochemical Bioaccumulation Research
Assessing bioaccumulation plays a key role in understanding the risks posed by agrochemicals to the environment. Persistent chemicals can accumulate in aquatic organisms. At BOC Sciences, the test species include a variety of cold and warm water fish such as trout, bluegill and carp, as well as invertebrates such as oysters, aquatic worms and earthworms.
Agrochemical Biodegradation Testing
Bioaccumulation testing in fish
Aqueous bioaccumulation studies are conducted to assess the bioconcentration factor (BCF) of agrochemicals in fish. The BCF is calculated as the ratio of the concentration in the fish to the dissolved concentration in water at steady-state, or by the ratio of uptake and purification rate constants.
- OECD 305: Aqueous and dietary exposure
- OCSP 850.1730: Fish BCF
Bioaccumulation testing in sediment-dwelling benthic oligochaetes
We design this testing to assess the bioaccumulation of sediment-associated agrochemicals in endobenthic oligochaetes. Test organisms are exposed to chemicals through multiple uptake pathways, including direct ingestion of sediment, surface contact, and ingestion of pore water. The primary endpoints are bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF).
- OECD 315: Bioaccumulation in sediment-dwelling benthic oligochaetes
Bioaccumulation testing in terrestrial oligochaetes
Aiming to assess the bioaccumulation of agrochemicals in terrestrial oligochaetes, test organisms are exposed to soil dosed with the test chemicals, and oligochaetes and soil were collected and analyzed at intervals. The primary endpoints are a BAF and a biota-soil accumulation factor (BSAF).
- OECD 317: Bioaccumulation in terrestrial oligochaetes
Figure 2. Diagram showing the main impacts of pesticides on soil, plant and arthropod communities. (Sánchez-Bayo, F. 2011)
BOC Sciences Advantages
- Highly specialized technical and analytical services for the worldwide registration and regulatory compliance of agrochemicals
- Robust analytical testing programs that span from research and product development through the production process to final product
- Relies on broad industrial experience, ensuring that all of our work meets the high standards expected by our clients
- Our regulatory experts, toxicology consultants, scientists and inspectors will ensure that you receive maximum levels of guidance, testing and inspection you need.
References
- Dunlop, R. A.; Guillemin, G. J. The Cyanotoxin and Non-protein Amino Acid β-Methylamino-L-Alanine (L-BMAA) in the Food Chain: Incorporation into Proteins and Its Impact on Human Health. Neurotoxicity research. 2019. 36: 602-611.
- Sánchez-Bayo, F. Impacts of agricultural pesticides on terrestrial ecosystems. Ecological Impacts of Toxic Chemicals. 2011: 63-87.