Acute Studies

Acute studies are short-term studies with exposure periods usually lasting 48 to 96 hours. The endpoint is typically lethality, however the algae and oyster shell deposition studies require growth endpoints. The results are expressed as an exposure concentration which causes a 50% effect, LC50 for a lethal concentration and EC50 for an effect concentration. The standard freshwater acute studies include the several species of fish, Daphnia magna, and the green algae, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. The standard marine acute studies include fish, mysids and the oyster shell deposition test. However, Springborn Smithers has conducted acute studies with many additional species of fish, invertebrates and aquatic plant species.

Springborn Smithers has combined facility design and years of experience to develop an efficient and competent acute aquatic testing program, which can deliver results and reports to study sponsors at competitive costs and within a very reasonable time. Our algae, fish and invertebrate acute laboratories are located in close proximity to our analytical facilities to promote efficiency. Our Study Directors have the necessary experience to conduct all standard acute studies and provide efficient communication of results to our sponsors. The end result is an acute testing program which will service our client's registration needs and deadlines.