NP ecotoxicology

Setting of regulatory standards to protect ecosystems demands data on the sensitivities of organisms from a range of taxonomic and trophic groups.  Further refinement of predictive models requires understanding of which factors may affect toxicity and the range and variety of nanomaterials coming into production is likely to require a specific risk assessment for each new compound with associated fit for purpose testing procedures.

Cefas has validated a suite of in vitro and in vivo ecotoxicology bioassays to screen nanoparticles for toxicity. Cell lines (e.g. RTG-2) have been exposed to nanoparticles and assessed for a range of endpoints including cellular cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, oxidative stress and genetic damage (comet assay). 

Whole-organism ecotoxicology tests have been conducted according to OECD guidelines using the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna.  We are able to use both acute and chronic test procedures with this species to derive contaminant effect concentrations for regulatory endpoints relevant at the individual and population level.