The National Centre for Environmental Toxicology (NCET), a specialised team within WRc, includes a dedicated group of ecotoxicologists experienced in environmental hazard and risk assessment.
This team examines the ecotoxicological effects of chemicals, formulations or environmental samples (effluents, receiving waters, sediments and soils) on wildlife.
Services Offered
- The provision of ecotoxicological support as part of our 24-hour enquiry service for the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the UK Water Utilities.
- Identification of client needs to meet legislative obligations (e.g. Habitats Directive, IPPC and REACH and finding alternatives, where appropriate, to toxicity testing (e.g. (Q)SARs or read across), saving the client valuable time and resources.
- Derivation of environmental standards such as Predicted No Effect Concentrations (PNECs) and Environmental Quality Standards (EQSs).
- Calculation of acceptable levels for discharge for substances entering the environment.
- Statistical analysis, data interpretation and assessment of the implication of test results.
- Commission of testing to investigate the toxicity of pure substances, formulations or environmental materials and assess the implications of the data in terms of relevant legislation or regulatory requirements.
- Screening tests, field and site surveys, sampling for aquatic and soil organisms and a full range of routine and specialist chemical parameters.
- Production of concise technical reports, highlighting the findings and providing expert interpretation and assessment of the implications of the results.