Environmental Risk Assessments
Environmental risk assessment is to evaluate the probability of harm to human life and environment, which is potentially caused by the release of hazardous substance in the agrochemical products. The short- and long-term effects of agrochemicals in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as the effects on humans, need to be fully investigated and reduced to a minimum. In order to obtain approval and authorization for agrochemicals, safety for humans and the environment must be demonstrated. With comprehensive knowledge of laboratory and field studies, BOC Sciences’ dedicated team of ecotoxicology and environmental chemistry experts can provide you with a complete environmental risk assessment solution. Our scientists are able to respond quickly to complex, in-depth environmental studies using state-of-the-art methodologies.
Figure 1. Proposed framework for ecological risk assessment of agrochemicals. (Sánchez-Bayo, F.; Tennekes, H. A. 2017)
Our Environmental Risk Studies
Environmental Fate & Metabolism Studies
Environmental fate and metabolism studies can provide useful information on the mechanisms, pathways and rates of degradation of substances and the risks these pose to human or environmental health. To cope with the complexity of environmental fate and metabolism studies of crop protection products, with specialized laboratories, state-of-the-art equipment, our experts in environmental fate, biodegradation and bioconcentration are able to simulate a wide range of environmental conditions. We can provide soil, sediment and activated sludge sorption/desorption testing for a wide range of agrochemicals, providing strong evidence for the environmental fate and metabolism of your crop protection products.
Exposure Assessment
The use of pesticides in agriculture can produce a series of harmful risks to the natural environment. Therefore, before the registration of agrochemicals, environmental risk assessment can provide a scientific basis for the safe usage of pesticides, the safety and security of the quality of agricultural products and ecological environment protection. In the environmental risk assessment of pesticides, exposure assessment is a key part in which model prediction is the main tool. BOC Sciences can completely assess the specific environment of pesticide use, including local climate, soil and crop cultivation conditions by using a diversity of well-established exposure models.
Fields Studies
Site-specific investigations are important for the developments in the pesticide environmental fate arena, which require expertise in experimental design. With up-to-date instrumentation and staff committed to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, BOC Sciences can find the right sites to meet your study objectives. We are able to characterize, instrument and monitor these sites. Our experts enable to provide excellent reporting services to our clients with detailed study methods and data for your agricultural products.
Ecotoxicology Studies
The application of agrochemicals may have potential negative effects on species in the environment. Therefore, the assessment of the ecotoxic potential of crop protection products is important. BOC Sciences is committed to offering a wide range of laboratory, semi-field and field ecotoxicology services to conduct research on non-target organisms. Our comprehensive ecotoxicology testing services cover freshwater, marine and terrestrial species, and can demonstrate the safety of your agrochemicals on aquatic, avian and terrestrial organisms.
Residues Analysis
After application of plant protection agents, residues may remain in and on the plants, as well as in the soil. Residue studies is required for crop protection products for many different regulatory assessments. With extensive experience in residue analysis studies of a wide range of crop protection products for plants and livestock, our analytical chemists have the method development and method validation expertise to design customized multi-residue testing protocols for active ingredients and metabolites. We help you understand the identity and potential toxicity of the parent compound, degradation product or metabolite in your agricultural compound products.
Figure 2. Current and proposed toxicity tests used for ecological risk assessment (ERA) of agrochemicals. (Sánchez-Bayo, F.; Tennekes, H. A. 2017)
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
- Sánchez-Bayo, F.; Tennekes, H. A. Assessment of ecological risks of agrochemicals requires a new framework. Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation. 2017.1(3): 20-28.