environmental sciences 

The use of animal health products can result in environmental contamination from treated animals or disposal of excreta onto land. To assess this environmental risk, Charles River’s Environmental Sciences group provides a full range of toxicity-based study types.

Our Ecotoxicology group is experienced in conducting studies required to assess the environmental risk of a range of test articles, including volatile, unstable or partially soluble. We have the facilities and equipment to deal with these complex test situations. If necessary, any particular test can be conducted with radiolabelled test item. The group offers a range of toxicity-based studies, including:

• Acute (96 h) and prolonged toxicity to cold and warm water fish (e.g. Rainbow trout, Bluegill sunfish, Carp, Fathead Minnow, Zebrafish)
• Acute and prolonged toxicity to Daphnia magna
• Algal growth inhibition (freshwater and marine)
• Fish early life stage
• Radiolabelled bioaccumulation  and/or metabolism in fish
• Lemna spp. growth inhibition
• Acute toxicity to Chironomus riparius (28 day)

Charles River provides a full analytical service for the method validation and routine analysis required in support of many of the aquatic studies.

Studies undertaken to determine toxicity to terrestrial organisms and beneficial insects include:

• Acute and reproduction toxicity to earthworms
• Effects on soil microbial activity, carbon mineralization and nitrogen transformation

Biodegredation and associated investigations include:

• Closed bottle test
• Modified sturm
• Modified OECD screening test
• Zahn-Wellens test
• Activated sludge respiration inhibition test (ASRIT)
• Biological Oxygen demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen demand (COD)
• Beneficial arthropods
• Apidius rhopalosiphi
• Typhlodromus pyri
• Apis mellifera
• Poecilus cupreus
• Pardosa spp.
• Chrysoperia carnea
• Dung fauna

For more information about our environmental science offerings, contact us at 1.877.CRIVER.1 or askcharlesriver@crl.com.