Cefas gains mCERTS approval for DTA
Cefas has recently become an Environment Agency mCERTS approved laboratory for DTA (Direct Toxicity Assessment), clearly demonstrating our ability and competence in performing DTA tests to the highest standards.
What is DTA?
DTA is the toxicological evaluation of an effluent under the auspices of Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) regulations in the UK. It determines the overall toxic effect of all contaminants in an effluent sample, using a suite of standardised aquatic (freshwater or marine) ecotoxicological tests. These toxicity tests are used to identify, monitor and track sources of toxicity. DTA can be used solely as a biological assessment, or used in conjunction with chemical analysis to identify the problem chemical(s).
If you have to submit DTA effluent results to the Environment Agency for regulatory purposes (PPC), then you must use a laboratory that is mCERTS approved. The certification scheme ensures the delivery of high quality environmental measurements through mCERTS approved laboratories, such as Cefas.
Benefits of DTA
Toxicity tests can be used by operators to improve water quality, and to protect the health of the environment. A toxicity screening test will provide information on the overall toxicity of a sample, whereas further characterisation tests will identify the toxic substances. Using these results we can advise on methods to reduce toxicity, and hence improve the quality of the environment.
This testing process brings many benefits to industry, such as economic gains through overall reduction in chemical waste, better process control, or the use of less toxic chemical substitutes. By using DTA effectively operators can demonstrate their compliance with new European Directives such as the Environmental Liability Directive.
Toxicity testing services available from Cefas:
- Toxicity screening
- Toxicity characterisation
- Toxicity reduction
- Toxicity monitoring
Or contact:
Dr Yvonne Allen
Tel: +44 (0) 1621 787226
yvonne.allen@cefas.co.uk
