Aquatic Ecotoxicology Studies for Agrochemicals

Aquatic Ecotoxicology Studies for Agrochemicals

Nowadays, regulatory agencies from all part of the globe are demanding agricultural products manufacturing companies to provide reliable data on the potential harm that the active substances in your crop protection products poses to aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Comprehensive aquatic ecotoxicology data is therefore necessary for regulatory filings in a wide range of industries, including agrochemicals, and they are also essential for environmental risk/impact assessments (ERAs and EIAs). Agrochemicals aquatic ecotoxicology is a discipline that involves toxicology, aquatic ecology, biological sciences and chemistry. The aquatic endpoints is required by major regulatory agencies for all crop protection products, and it demonstrates the potential environmental impact of your product's intentional or unintentional release into the environment. This means that it becomes especially important to evaluate the effects of crop protection products have on a wide range of aquatic organisms, from microorganisms and algae, to fish and amphibian predators. With the insight gained from performing a large number of aquatic ecology studies on multiple active substances in crop protection products, BOC Sciences provides reliable data to meet the regulatory requirements of your crop protection products for aquatic endpoints. Our team of experts can help you navigate the scientific and regulatory challenges posed by aquatic ecotoxicology, whether you need a single specialized study or a complete research program.

Figure 1. Schematic representation of a lake ecosystem. (Boudou, A.; Ribeyre, F. 1997)

Features of Our Services

• BOC Sciences helps you get the useful data you need to move your program forward by leveraging our comprehensive portfolio of agrochemicals aquatic ecotoxicology studies and integrated analytical support.
• We offer a wide range of aquatic toxicity tests for different agricultural compounds such as plant protection products and biocides. These studies are carried out under GLP conditions in accordance with international standards.
• Our experts provide a full range of GLP-compliant studies for aquatic non-target organisms, microorganisms, and prepared biodegradability tests. Studies on the potential toxic effects of plant protection products, chemicals and metabolites on algae and aquatic macrophytes in accordance with current OECD and EPA guidelines.
• Our research biologists have developed new methodologies, exposure systems and culture techniques to provide customized agrochemicals testing strategies.
• All studies are planned and conducted by our teams of experienced scientists and technicians, with the analytical dose validation and fate of active ingredients is carried out as close as possible in parallel with the biological part of the study.
• Our researchers are experienced in measuring unique or non-standard endpoints to accommodate insoluble, highly active and/or highly volatile test substances.

A complete portfolio of agrochemicals aquatic ecotoxicology testing services

We have extensive experience in establishing toxicity tests for cultures and non-standard species. BOC Sciences offers protocols ranging from single first tier standard studies to complex packages, including advanced studies with variable exposure designs.

• Acute and chronic laboratory toxicity tests on fish, invertebrates, algae and aquatic macrophytes, sediment-dwelling organisms
• Bioaccumulation studies with fish and aquatic invertebrates

Algae and Macrophytes

Algae studies are performed using Raphidocelis subcapitata (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata), Desmodesmus subspicatus, Anabaena flos-aquae and other algae species (e.g.Skeletonema costatum, Navicula pelliculosa). Aquatic plant studies are performed either on Lemna gibba, Lemna minor, and other Lemna species, Myriophyllum spicatum, Myriophyllum aquaticum, Glyceria maxima and other additional macrophytes such as Hippuris vulgaris, Spirodela intermedia.

• OECD 201: Freshwater Alga and Cyanobacteria, Growth Inhibition Test
• OCSPP 850.4500: Algal Toxicity
• OCSPP 850.4550: Cyanobacteria (Anabaena flos-aquae) Toxicity

Figure 2. Principal components of a standardized aquatic indoor microcosm. (Boudou, A.; Ribeyre, F. 1997)

Aquatic Invertebrates

Aquatic Invertebrates studies are performed using Daphnia pulex, Chironomus riparius, Lumbriculus variegatus, Mysis, Hyalella azteca, Asellus, Gammarus, Chaoborus, Culex, Cyclopoida, Odonata, Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera.

• Acute toxicity and reproduction tests in static, semi-static or flow-through test design

Aquatic Vertebrates

Available fish species: rainbow trout, zebrafish, common carp, fathead minnow and medaka

• Acute toxicity tests
• Fish embryo tests
• Fish early life stage toxicity test
• Bioaccumulation in Fish: Aqueous and Dietary Exposure (with fish, oysters and other species)
• Endocrine studies (see link endocrine testing)
• Feeding studies
• Pharmakokinetic studies

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.

Reference

• Boudou, A.; Ribeyre, F. Aquatic ecotoxicology: from the ecosystem to the cellular and molecular levels. Environmental Health Perspectives. 1997. 105: 21-35.