Ecotoxicological tests (aqueous matrix)

The toxicity tests with aquatic organisms are carried out to define the toxicity of a compound, a mixture of compounds or a water sample and to establish the dilution compatible with aquatic life. These assays give back an integrated response to different compounds present in the sample, quantifying also the synergic effects due to the interaction of different pollutants or between pollutants and environmental matrix.
In order to analyze properly the environmental risk, it is necessary to use "multi-species" assays, with organisms of different trophic levels (bacteria, algae, crustaceans, fish), depending on the type of environments and goals.
Our laboratory is able to carry out a wide range of ecotoxicological analysis of aqueous samples and specific chemical compounds.

The main tests that we perform are:
• Acute test with Rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis)
• Acute and chronic tests with crustacean Daphnia magna (fresh water), and Artemia salina (marine and brackish water)
• Algal growth inhibition test (e.g. Selenastrum capricornutum, Phaeodactylum tricornutum)
• Test with bioluminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri)
• Test on bacteria (Vibrio anguillarum) to evaluate the toxicity of nano-sized contaminants in marine and brakish environments

For more information please contact us "Contacts"