The Ecotoxicology Laboratory provides the basic marine aquatic toxicity and biodegradability studies required by the Harmonised Offshore Chemicals Notification Scheme (HOCNS). For more details see the web site of CEFAS (UK Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science).

The evaluation of potential environmental effects is important for the approval of offshore chemicals. These effects depend on the fate of the substances in the environment.

Several tests have been developed to measure toxic effects on various marine organisms, the potential for biodegradation and for bioaccumulation of the substances.

In the ecotoxicolgy laboratory we perform the following tests:

• marine algal growth inhibition test with Skeletonema costatum (ISO 10253)
• biodegradability in seawater – closed bottle method (OECD 306)
• biodegradability in fresh water – closed bottle method (OECD 301D)
• partition coefficient (n-octanol/water), HPLC method (OECD 117)

The tests are included in the OSPAR set of tests required by the authorities for the testing, evaluation and approval of offshore chemicals.

Lamberti SpA is member of the European Oilfield Speciality Chemicals Association (EOSCA).