Aquatic Ecotoxicology

Fera offers a full package of studies to GLP on aquatic non-target organisms, on microorganisms and ready biodegradability tests. The potential toxic effects of Plant Protection Products (PPPs), chemicals and metabolites on algae and aquatic macrophytes are examined using different types of study designs in accordance with current OECD and EPA guidelines, covering the requirements for the registration of plant protection products (PPPs) and veterinary medicines.

All studies are planned and performed by an experienced team of scientists and technical personnel, with the analytical dose verification and fate of the active ingredient(s) is performed as close as possible in parallel to the biological part of the study. We can also adapt our services to provide bespoke tests that meet your specific data requirements.

"Our routine tests can be adapted to suit your particular data requirements"

Fera has the best people in the right place focussed on delivering the right solution. We continuously invest in our people and support them in delivering the best science to our partners.

Rachel Benstead

Rachel has extensive knowledge and experience of chemical risk assessment, whole effluent assessment, endocrine disruption in aquatic wildlife, the Water Framework Directive and environmental impact assessments. At Fera, she is responsible for conducting research and managing projects regarding aquatic environmental protection, including studies that are conducted to OECD guidelines. She is also a GLP study director.

Victoria Pratt

Victoria is a Senior Environmental Fate Scientist for chemical safety at Fera. With a background in chemistry, Victoria performs the role of GLP study director for commercial and research projects within the environmental fate and behaviour sector.

Karen Thorpe

Karen is an aquatic biologist based in the Ecotoxicology group at Fera. Her role is to deliver high-quality aquatic ecotoxicology studies and she has over 20 years practical experience of working with aquatic organisms in an ecotoxicological setting. Karen has been involved in the development of methodologies for assessing the effects of chemicals on reproductive physiology and will be responsible for expansion of the science capabilities within the group to evaluate chemicals for endocrine disruption.

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By Sector : Environmental Risk Assessments

Plant Protection Products (PPP)

Fera has over 30 years’ experience working with international partners, helping them develop effective, sustainable, and safe chemical products that minimise ecosystem impact and pollution. Our goal is to provide you with high quality endpoints for the registration of your crop protection product. As your partner we offer you access to state-of-the-art facilities and a leading team of expert ecotoxicologists who can deliver studies appropriate to your needs, across global regulatory frameworks. Find out more.

Veterinary Medicines & Feed Additives

Ecotoxicology studies are required by most of the major regulatory authorities to assess the potential hazards posed by veterinary medicines when released into the environment. Consideration must be given to whether the veterinary medicine is a natural substance, the use of which will not alter the concentration or distribution of the substance in the environment. Will the it be used only in non-food animals, etc. Fera offers a full package of studies to GLP on aquatic non-target organisms tests and are planned and performed by an experienced team of scientists and technical personnel. Find out more.

Bespoke Studies

We can also adapt our services to provide bespoke tests that meet your specific data requirements.

Using our state of the art new aquatic laboratory which provides 13 test rigs housed in three holding rooms with programmable temperatures and lighting regimes.

All studies are planned and performed by an experienced team of scientists and technical personnel, with the analytical dose verification and fate of the active ingredient(s) is performed as close as possible in parallel to the biological part of the study. Why not get in touch to discuss your specific requirements.

Interested in taking a tour of our new mesocosm facility - for Higher Tier Risk Assessments?

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Services Available

Study Guideline⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀	Description of Test
OECD 201	Freshwater algae and cyanobacteria, growth inhibition test
OECD 202	Daphnia sp. acute immobilisation test
OECD 203	Fish, acute toxicity test
OECD 235	Chironomus sp., Acute Immobilisation Test
OECD 210	Fish, Early-life Stage Toxicity Test
OECD 211	Daphnia magna Reproduction Test
OECD 233	Sediment-Water Chironomid Life-Cycle Toxicity Test Using Spiked Water or Spiked Sediment
OECD 221	Lemna sp. Growth Inhibition Test
OECD 218	Chironomid Toxicity Test Using Spiked Sediment
OECD 219	Chironomid Toxicity Test Using Spiked Water
OECD 239	Water-Sediment Myriophyllum Spicatum Toxicity Test
OECD 305	Bioconcentration: Flow-through Fish Test

Endocrine Disruptors are chemicals that interfere with human and animal hormone systems, and are capable of altering hormone balance and embryo development. Find out how we can help with relevant studies.

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Resources - Study Factsheets

Chironomid Acute Immobilisation Test

This test is designed to determine the acute effects of the test material on Chironomid larvae.

Bioaccumulation in Fish Test

This test is designed to assess the bioconcentration potential of substances in fish, following aqueous (standard and minimised tests) or dietary exposure, under flow through conditions.

Daphnia Acute Immobilisation Test

This test is designed to determine the effects of the test material on Daphnia magna.

Daphnia Magna Reproduction Test

This test is carried out to determine the effect of a chemical on the reproductive output of Daphnia magna.

Fish Acute Toxicity Test

This test is designed to determine the effects of the test material on fish. Fish species typically tested include rainbow trout, fathead minnow and zebra fish.

Fish Early Life Stage Toxicity Test

This test is designed to determine the effects of the test material on the early life stages of fish.

freshwater algal and cyanbacteria inhibition test

Freshwater Algal and Cyanbacteria Growth Inhibition Test

This test is designed to determine the effects of the test material on green algae, diatoms and cyanobacteria.

Sediment Water Chironomid Toxicity using Spiked Sediment Test

This test is designed to determine the long-term effectsof the test material on the freshwater dipteran Chironomus sp., in a spiked sediment system.

Sediment Water Chironomid Toxicity Test

This test is designed to determine the long-term effects ofthe test material on the freshwater dipteran Chironomus sp.,in a spiked water system.

Water-Sediment Myriophyllum spicatum Toxicity Test

This test is designed to determine the effects of the testmaterial on the growth of Myriophyllum spicatum plants.