NP ecotoxicology
Setting regulatory standards to protect ecosystems demands data on the
sensitivities of organisms from a range of taxonomic and trophic
groups.
To refine predictive models we need to understand:
- which factors might affect toxicity
- the range and variety of nanomaterials coming into
production.
Specific risk assessments for each new compound, with associated
fit-for-purpose testing procedures, are therefore required.
We have validated a suite of in vitro and in
vivo ecotoxicology bioassays to screen nanoparticles for
toxicity. Cell lines (eg, RTG-2) have been exposed to nanoparticles
and assessed for a range of endpoints including:
- cellular cytotoxicity
- cell proliferation
- oxidative stress
- 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.