Hydrosphere Research provides a variety of aquatic toxicity testing and bioassay services ranging from complying with NPDES permits to product toxicity tests.

  • Samples are accepted every day of the year.
  • Test initiation, preliminary results and final reports are emailed to whomever you designate.
  • Complete reports in an easy to read scientific format.
  • Consulting on all issues pertaining to toxicity testing

Toxicity Testing

Hydrosphere Research is a state and nationally recognized aquatic toxicity testing laboratory. We routinely conduct tests to satisfy NPDES permits and characterize toxicity problems. We also conduct product toxicity tests for either OECD guidelines or for a manufacturer’s in-house product development.

Toxicity Identification Evaluations

Hydrosphere Research conducts Phase I, II, & III Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIE) for clients throughout Florida. These studies have involved both acute and chronic TIE’s with both freshwater and marine species.

Many times, a full phase I TIE is not required. Hydrosphere Research will consult with you to determine a hierarchy of potentially successful treatments based on your experience with your sample and plant operations. Hydrosphere Research’s experience with your sample can prove indispensable when designing a custom TIE.

Sediment Toxicity Testing

Hydrosphere’s sediment toxicity experience includes both include elutriate and whole-sediment toxicity tests with various organisms including bacteria, algae, macrophytes, rotifers, cladocerans, amphipods, mayflies, and fish. The objective of a sediment toxicity test is to determine whether sediment is potentially harmful to aquatic organisms. Because these tests measure biological responses directly, they account for interactive toxic effects of complex contaminant mixtures in sediment.

Because the experimental design of a sediment toxicity assessment depends on the objectives of the study, Hydrosphere works with our clients to develop a test that captures their specific objectives. These include the general assessment strategy, the kind of toxicity tests to use, the number of sampling stations, the number of replicates, and the collection of ancillary information.

Endocrine Disruption Testing

Hydrosphere Research is recognized as one of the first commercial labs in the U.S. to be involved with endocrine disruptor studies using aquatic vertebrates and yeast activity based test methods.

We have developed and implemented a suite of tools for assessing the potential reproductive effects of effluents and pure chemicals to aquatic vertebrates. We emphasize endocrine pathways controlled by estrogens and androgens.

Hydrosphere Research works with some of the industry’s top researchers at the University of Florida and elsewhere to develop new assays for the detection of endocrine disruptors. We have completed endocrine disruptor projects in the following areas:

  • Rapid screening for endocrine disruptors
  • Fish pathology and histology
  • Laboratory flow through studies on whole compounds
  • Life cycle studies
  • Field evaluations of endocrine disruptors

Scope of Accreditation

Hydrosphere Research is NELAP certified for the following test methods and species.

Species Test Method
Arbacia punctulata EPA 821-R-02-014, Method 1008.0
Ceriodaphnia dubia EPA 821-R-02-012, Method 2002.0
Ceriodaphnia dubia EPA 821-R-02-013, Method 1002.0
Cyprinella leedsi EPA 821-R-02-012, Method 2000.0
Daphnia magna EPA 821-R-02-012, Method 2021.0
Daphnia pulex EPA 821-R-02-012, Method 2021.0
Menidia beryllina EPA 821-R-02-012, Method 2006.0
Menidia beryllina EPA 821-R-02-014, Method 1006.0
Mysidopsis bahia EPA 821-R-02-012, Method 2007.0
Mysidopsis bahia EPA 821-R-02-014, Method 1007.0
Pimephales promelas EPA 821-R-02-012, Method 2000.0
Pimephales promelas EPA 821-R-02-013, Method 1000.0
Selenastrum capricornutum EPA 821-R-02-013, Method 1003.0
Ampelisca abdita EPA/600/R-94/025
Chironomus tentans EPA/600/R-99/064
Hyalella azteca EPA/600/R-99/064
Leptocheirus plumulosus EPA/600/R-94/025

Contact us to request a price quote or permit review.