Ecotoxicology

Our laboratories assess the biological effect of chemicals and effluent discharges on the aquatic environment. In addition to working for and with government departments, Cefas’ ecotoxicology service provides services to a range of industrial sectors, including oil and gas, nuclear energy, veterinary medicine, chemical manufacturers/suppliers, water industry, biocides and emergency response.

Working within the multi-disciplinary environment of Cefas, our ecotoxicology team have the experience and expertise to offer a broad range of acute, chronic and bespoke ecotoxicology studies and related services. We have a proven track record of providing regulatory testing, including the delivery of marine, freshwater and sediment testing. Our capabilities also include undertaking marine risk assessments and performing aquatic toxicology for veterinary medicines.

Cefas’ well-equipped laboratories house facilities to test a wide variety of species ranging from microbes to large fish, and include modern laboratories designed for performing flow-through experiments on freshwater and marine species.

Our scientists have broad research experience and capabilities, and have been involved in setting up new international test guidelines for ISO and OECD. We can deliver ecotoxicology studies, as well as provide expert advice, insight and guidance from both a commercial and government perspective.

Through Cefas' marine capability we have forged a particularly close relationship with the oil and gas industry, where we have considerable regulatory, research, spill and analytical experience. This includes providing laboratory testing in support of various regulatory requirements: HOCNF registrations, Risk Based Approach to produced water, and testing of oil spill remediation products such as dispersants.