• McCampbell Analytical, Inc.
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  • 1534 Willow Pass Road Pittsburg, CA 94565

Aquatic Toxicity Testing (AqTox) Services

McCampbell Analytical, Inc. (MAI) provides accredited aquatic toxicity (bioassay) testing for wastewater, stormwater, sediment, and environmental samples. We support NPDES compliance, hazardous waste determination, product registration, and research projects with high-quality, defensible data and responsive service.
Beakers on a shelf with fish in them
small fish in water

Aquatic Toxicology BioAssay

The McCampbell Analytical Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory is accredited by CA ELAP and NELAP for a wide range of freshwater and marine bioassay methods. We provide testing for NPDES and stormwater dischargers, hazardous waste characterization (Title 22), TIE investigations, product registration, NRDA studies, and customized research projects tailored to client needs.

MAI offers 96-hour hazardous waste determination services in accordance with California Title 22 requirements to evaluate aquatic toxicity. We routinely test contaminated soils, wastewater, spill cleanup materials, and industrial waste streams for a wide range of industries.

Types of Samples Tested

  • Industrial effluents
  • Urban and agricultural surface water
  • Groundwater remediation
  • Contaminated soil & sludge
  • Sediments, freshwater and marine
  • Environmental spill clean-up materials
  • Environmental waste samples
  • Medical and healthcare products
  • Household cleaning products
  • Commercial waste products
  • New chemicals for registration

Testing Capabilities

  • NPDES Whole Effluent Testing (WET)
  • Hazardous Waste Characterizations
  • Stormwater Runoff
  • Groundwater Remediation Studies
  • Irrigated Lands Regulatory Programs
  • Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIEs)
  • Dredge Materials Analysis
  • Freshwater Sediment Assessments
  • National Resource Damage Assessments
  • Product Testing
  • Customized Research Studies


Why Choose MAI for Aquatic Toxicity Testing

  • Accredited by CA ELAP and NELAP for freshwater and marine bioassays
  • Experienced staff with over 30 years of combined aquatic toxicology expertise
  • Efficient workflows designed to reduce costs and turnaround times
  • Results are delivered in compliance-ready formats (learn more about our Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD) capabilities)
  • Support for NPDES compliance, Title 22, and regulatory programs
  • Flexible study design for research and special projects

With over 30 years of combined experience in aquatic toxicology, our team has developed streamlined testing processes that improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and lower overall project costs while maintaining high-quality, defensible data. These efficiencies allow us to provide reliable results and pass cost savings along to our clients.

Contact our Aquatic Toxicology team today to discuss your project, schedule testing, or request a quote.

FAQ

What is an aquatic toxicity bioassay?

A bioassay is a method used to generate toxicological information to determine the potential environmental impact that a specific material (e.g. waste water, stormwater, dredged material, solid or liquid waste, chemical product) may have on the aquatic environment.

How do I know what test I need?

We frequently are asked to perform a "fish bioassay," however; we offer many different kinds of bioassay tests. If you are testing a sample to determine how best to dispose of a sample, a hazardous waste bioassay is most likely required. Otherwise, the testing would likely fall under NPDES permitting requirements.

How should I transport my sample?

Samples should be transported on ice and with a Chain of Custody form. Samples should arrive at the laboratory less than 6.0°C upon receipt. The Chain of Custody form for the Aquatic Toxicology department is located here

What type of container should I use?

The size and type of container used is highly dependent on the test, or tests, that will be performed on a sample.

Hazardous waste bioassays require a minimum of 100 mL of liquid samples, or 100 grams of solid material. Generally liquids are sampled in 125 mL amber glass bottles and solid materials are collected in 16 oz wide-mouth glass jars. For lighter materials, such as paper, filters or wipes, please provide 100 grams in a clean plastic bag.

Effluent samples to be tested for NPDES purposes vary in the required volume. Please contact our staff regarding the required volume.

What are the hold time requirements?

For hazardous waste samples, there is no hold time requirement.

For effluent and ambient water samples, the sample hold time is 36 hours following collection of a grab sample or the end of a composite. After a sample is used initially, the hold time then extends an additional 72 hours from the time of first use.

How much lead time does the lab need?

For hazardous waste tests, no advanced notice is required unless a guaranteed 5 business day RUSH TAT is required.

For effluent and ambient water tests, one to two weeks is preferred, however, the laboratory can support our client's needs with shorter notice (e.g. stormwater testing).

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