WAREHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Smithers
Viscient, a global contract research organization (CRO), announced
that its independent method study around the use of Leptocheirus
plumulosus in 28-day chronic
sediment toxicity tests has resulted in a revised methodology
capable of producing more reliable and robust data with fewer failures.
This type of study, which historically has been known to pose challenges
in terms of variability of growth and reproduction in the test
amphipods, as well as achieving survival criteria, is one of the primary
methods for testing sediment toxicity.

Since implementation of these technical changes, Smithers Viscient has
submitted a revised standard protocol to EPA and received approval of
the modifications for the purpose of supporting pesticide registration
under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
Smithers Viscient has now successfully completed multiple exposures
since the end of 2016 and is actively reporting for EPA submission.

“Sediment toxicity testing is a key tool for bringing a new chemical
product to market, but these types of studies are complex,” said Ron
Biever, Chief Scientific Officer, Smithers Viscient. “We recognized an
opportunity to invest in troubleshooting the Leptocheirus methodology
so that we can improve on the success rate of these studies for our
clients. Not only did we see the amphipod survival rate increase, the
changes we made resulted in significantly better growth and amphipod
reproduction, which are the critical endpoints in the study.”

Smithers Viscient’s announcement describes the latest in a series of
independent studies seeking to solve methodology challenges and improve
results for clients. The company announced in 2016 the results of a
study that resulted in shorter
duration for fish full life-cycle testing, another common and often
challenging environmental
ecotoxicology test.

The Smithers Viscient team performed a series of investigations, dating
back to 2013, into why poor survival was occurring with the Leptocheirus
plumulosus across multiple studies. After finding that survivability
was not immediately related to the sediment characteristics, the
prescribed diet, nor the source of the organism, independent testing
continued. The team discovered that the quality of the water in the
exposure system was the primary issue. After increasing the frequency of
water exchange, along with modification to the feeding regimen, the team
began seeing positive results. Survivability climbed beyond the 80%
acceptability criteria, and reproduction was abundant.

About Smithers Viscient

Smithers Viscient is a global contract research organization (CRO). The
company delivers a comprehensive range of ecotoxicology, environmental
fate, metabolism, chemistry, and toxicology
services, for the pharmaceutical, crop protection, chemical, and
consumer household product industries. Pollinator testing capabilities
include laboratory-based studies, semi-field, and field exposures. With
laboratories located in North America and Europe, Smithers Viscient has
performed standard guideline and higher-tiered environmental studies for
over 45 years. For more information about Smithers Viscient’s
environmental regulatory testing solutions, visit www.smithersviscient.com.

Contacts

Smithers Viscient, LLC
Hope Aubin, + 1 508-295-2550
www.smithersviscient.com