Ecotoxicology
Ecotoxicology is the science-based study of harmful effects caused by chemical stressors on populations, communities, and ecosystems. The assessment of impacts to the natural environment is performed as part of the risk assessment process, and the results are used in the registration of regulated chemicals and products.
Waterborne offers a wide range of ecotoxicology assessment services that address regulatory and environmental concerns. Our areas of expertise include the following:
- Acute and chronic studies for terrestrial toxicity (including avian, mammalian, nontarget arthoprods, earthworms, and nontarget plants) and aquatic toxicity (including fish, invertebrates, algae, and aquatic macrophytes).
- Endangered species assessments for experimental use permit applications, environmental risk assessments, and product stewardship initiatives.
- Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Inherently Toxic (PBiT) determinations, including the use of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSARs) to categorize regulated substances.
- Bioaccumulation in fish, including the use of alternative Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) methods.
We have designed and conducted studies that follow regulatory guidelines in the United States (FIFRA and TSCA), Canada (Pest Control Products Act), and Europe (Directive 91/414/EEC, Biocidal Products Directive, REACH,
and OCNS). In addition to our work with agrochemicals, our staff has experience with a variety of other chemical substances and products including:
- Biocides
- Oil and gas
- Deicers
- Surfactants
- Chemical intermediates
- Oxygenated solvents
- Glycol ethers
- Flame retardants
- Polymers
- Crude oil
