We have been providing environmental toxicology services since 1988. Since our inception, we have earned a reputation for our expertise in aquatic toxicology as well as for our outstanding service and consistent quality. Our biologists can assist you with regulatory compliance monitoring and consulting, product registration, toxicity identification evaluations, site-specific water quality standards and evaluation of site or source contamination. We are experienced in conducting short-term and full life-cycle toxicity tests with both freshwater and estuarine species in a variety of matrices including wastewater (effluent), surface water, sediment, pore water, and soil. We are accredited by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) for both saltwater and freshwater aquatic toxicology.
Testing facilities are housed in a modern, custom-designed masonry building. Temperature-controlled testing and culturing labs are equipped with photoperiod controllers, aeration systems and ASTM Type 1 deionized water for preparation of test dilution and culture water. Temperature is monitored continuously in at least two locations in each testing and culture lab and an integrated alarm system provides automatic dial-out to alert personnel of after-hours temperature excursions, fire or electrical failure. A separate, locked data archives is available to insure security of toxicity test data.
Two laboratories are dedicated to static and static-renewal testing; a third laboratory is equipped for flow-through testing with sediments, effluents or chemicals and is also outfitted with a hooded test table for testing of volatile or noxious samples. An exposure apparatus with microprocessor control of CO2-air mixtures is available for pH-controlled toxicity tests. Chilled water baths are available for testing cold-water species such as trout and bent-nosed clams. A fourth laboratory is equipped with microscopes, incubators, etc. for microbiological and algal testing.
Culture facilities are provided for the culture of commonly used test organisms. Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), mysids (Mysidopsis (Americamysis) bahia) and sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) are cultured in recirculating systems. Water fleas (Ceriodaphnia dubia, Daphnia pulex, Daphnia magna), amphipods (Hyalella azteca, Leptocheirus plumulosus), midges (Chironomus tentans) and algae are cultured in static-renewal systems. All animals are cultured in compliance with EPA guidelines and all pertinent information such as taxonomic identification and source, hatch dates and acclimation conditions are documented to insure appropriate organisms are used in tests.
