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 50KW propane-fired generator and on-site deep well insure off-grid maintenance of tests and cultures during emergencies.
Three laboratories are dedicated to static and static-renewal testing; a fourth 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 fifth laboratory is equipped with microscopes, incubators, etc. for microbiological and algal testing.
A separate culture wing provides for the culture of commonly used test organisms: Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), mysids (Mysidopsis (Americamysis) bahia), sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus), water fleas (Ceriodaphnia dubia, Daphnia pulex, Daphnia magna), amphipods (Hyalella azteca, Leptocheirus plumulosus), midges (Chironomus tentans) and algae (Selenastrum capricornutum). 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.
