BOC Sciences Agrochemical Environmental Fate Studies Services from Alex Browns's blog

Bioaccumulation refers to the enrichment of chemicals in an organism. The uptake of substances occurs either through food (biomagnification) or directly from the abiotic environment (bioconcentration). Experimentally determined bioaccumulation factors are important factors in the risk assessment of chemical substance. For highly lipophilic chemicals (logP>5), bioconcentration studies are often difficult to perform. The poor water solubility of lipophilic substances makes it difficult to adjust stable test concentrations and, under certain conditions, may lead to inaccurate measurements of the test substances in the medium. The ultimate purpose of these studies is to determine the biomagnification factor (BMF). In recent years, the persistence of pesticides has been observed in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The presence of pesticides in the environment leads to their entry into biological systems where they accumulate in organisms. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of pesticides have led to lethal and sublethal effects in animals and humans. Therefore, the use of agrochemicals is already regulated and safety is ensured through testing, risk assessment and licensing.

BOC Sciences Agrochemical Bioaccumulation Testing Research

Assessing bioaccumulation plays a key role in understanding the risks posed by agrochemicals to the environment. Persistent chemicals can accumulate in aquatic organisms. At BOC Sciences, the test species include a variety of cold and warm water fish such as trout, bluegill and carp, as well as invertebrates such as oysters, aquatic worms and earthworms.

Agrochemical Biodegradation Testing

Bioaccumulation testing in fish

Aqueous bioaccumulation studies are conducted to assess the bioconcentration factor (BCF) of agrochemicals in fish. The BCF is calculated as the ratio of the concentration in the fish to the dissolved concentration in water at steady-state, or by the ratio of uptake and purification rate constants.

OECD 305: Aqueous and dietary exposure

OCSP 850.1730: Fish BCF

Bioaccumulation testing in sediment-dwelling benthic oligochaetes

We design this testing to assess the bioaccumulation of sediment-associated agrochemicals in endobenthic oligochaetes. Test organisms are exposed to chemicals through multiple uptake pathways, including direct ingestion of sediment, surface contact, and ingestion of pore water. The primary endpoints are bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF).

OECD 315: Bioaccumulation in sediment-dwelling benthic oligochaetes

Bioaccumulation testing in terrestrial oligochaetes

Aiming to assess the bioaccumulation of agrochemicals in terrestrial oligochaetes, test organisms are exposed to soil dosed with the test chemicals, and oligochaetes and soil were collected and analyzed at intervals. The primary endpoints are a BAF and a biota-soil accumulation factor (BSAF).

OECD 317: Bioaccumulation in terrestrial oligochaetes

BOC Sciences Advantages

Highly specialized technical and analytical services for the worldwide registration and regulatory compliance of agrochemicals

Robust analytical testing programs that span from research and product development through the production process to final product

Relies on broad industrial experience, ensuring that all of our work meets the high standards expected by our clients

Our regulatory experts, toxicology consultants, scientists and inspectors will ensure that you receive maximum levels of guidance, testing and inspection you need.