Bioconcentration Studies

Springborn's bioconcentration studies analyze the increase in concentration of test materials in fish, through determination of bioconcentration factor (BCF). BCF is a comparison of the chemical absorption levels of the fish to levels of the test materials in surrounding water. We measure the residues of parent and metabolites by radiochemical detection.

We offer a variety of testing species, including trout, bluegill and carp for agrichemicals and pharmaceuticals. Test phases are in-life (uptake, parent at steady state, depuration) and analysis of residues. We look at uptake and steady state to determine total residue bioaccumulated, information on the metabolic pathway, and changes in residue levels with time. These studies can be performed at both our Wareham and Horn facilities.