Product Testing

EcoAnalysts can evaluate the potential ecological risk of chemical products on aquatic or terrestrial receptors. This approach of evaluating pure chemicals or product mixtures is broadly referred to as “Product Testing” and is a mandatory component of new product development, formal registration, and proper disposal handling. Product testing has two main elements. First, is to determine the environmental fate and effects of the individual compound(s) that make up the product. This includes reporting compound(s) biodegradability, persistence (half-life), bioconcentration factors, and predicted environmental concentrations. EcoAnalysts staff are versed in finding primary empirical studies that have evaluated many compounds for these endpoints. 

Additionally, toxicity studies are performed to predict the responses of organisms when exposed to pure compounds as well as sample mixtures. Sample mixtures can have additive, synergistic or antagonistic interactions between compounds that change the potential impacts to organisms. There are many established protocols with defined endpoints to investigate these interactions that include toxicity testing as well as bioaccumulation and biodegradation. The types of chemicals evaluated may include (but not limited to) pesticides, pharmaceutical, petroleum and oil treatment products (drilling fluids, produced waters, and dispersants), flocculating agents, aquaculture additives, and antidegradants (antiozonates and antioxidants). In some approaches new formulations of existing chemicals being applied in new manner (or new geographic location) may use a mixture of existing data coupled with novel empirical data to inform about potential risk.

Examples of these programs include the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as well as the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) Offices of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) and Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP). Additional frameworks for product testing include:

• Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

• United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS)

• USEPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP)

• USEPA 40 CFR Part 136

• REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)

• Testing for the National Contingency Plan (NCP) Product Schedule

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) development and hazard classification

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, (MARPOL)

• New Substances Notification (NSN) Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) (the Regulations) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (the Act)

• Washington State Technology Assessment Protocol - Ecology (TAPE) program

Below is a selection of testing methods used to characterize the potential toxicity of products to aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Studies to evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity, endocrine disrupting potential, and the bioaccumulation and bioconcentration of chemicals may be catered to meet the needs of your program, and may reference additional guidance and frameworks not listed here. 

• Daphnid Acute Toxicity Test (OCSPP 850.1010, OECD 202)

• Fish Acute Toxicity Test (OCSPP 850.1075, OECD 203)

• Algal growth inhibition (OECD 201)

• Mysid (Americamysis bahia) Acute Toxicity Test (OCSPP 850.1035)

• Gammarid Amphipod Acute Toxicity Test (OCSPP 850.1020)

• Penaeid Acute Toxicity Test (OCSPP 850.1045)

• Bivalve Acute Toxicity Test (Embryo-Larval) (OCSPP 850.1055)

• Daphnid Chronic Toxicity Test (OCSPP 850.1300, ASTM E1295)

• Fish Early Life Stage Toxicity Test (OCSPP 850.1400)

• Algal growth inhibition (OECD 201)

• Earthworm Toxicity Test (OCSPP 850.3100, ASTM E1676)

EcoAnalysts will strive to provide the most cost-effective approach to meet your needs.