At DHI we have extensive expertise in ecotoxicological testing of:
- Chemicals and chemical products
- Waste waters (e.g., from industry; sewage treatment plants; mining industry)
- Contaminated sediments
- Produced water from the offshore oil and gas industry, mining etc.
- Whole effluent toxicity of Ballast water management systems
We can provide tailormade and complete solutions including risk assessment, hydrological modeling, and literature studies.
So, whether you need a single test or a comprehensive suite of solutions to gain information on the ecotoxicity of a substance, we can help.

Quality Certifications and Accreditation
Our laboratory performs ecotoxicological tests accredited by DANAK, the Danish Accreditation Fund and, furthermore, our laboratory at DHI is authorized to carry out studies in compliance with the OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
Freshwater ecotoxicological testing
Algae:
- Growth inhibition test (Raphidocelis subcapitata ): OECD 201 / ISO 8692
- Acute toxicity test (Daphnia magna): OECD 202 / ISO 6341
- Reproduction test (Daphnia magna): OECD 211 / ISO 10706
- Chronic toxicity test (Ceriodaphnia dubia): ISO 20665
- Acute toxicity test: OECD 203 / ISO 7346. Zebrafish (Danio rerio); Medaka (Oryzias latipes)
- Embryo Toxicity (FET) test: OECD 236 Zebrafish (Danio rerio); Medaka (Oryzias latipes)
- Juvenile growth test: OECD 215 Zebrafish (Danio rerio); Medaka (Oryzias latipes)
- Short-term Toxicity Test on Embryo and Sac-fry Stages, OECD 212, Zebrafish (Danio rerio); Medaka (Oryzias latipes)
- Early life stage toxicity test: OECD 210 Zebrafish (Danio rerio); Medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Endocrine effects on fish (Zebrafish (Danio rerio); Medaka (Oryzias latipes)):
- Fish Short-Term Reproduction Test: OECD 229
- Fish Screening Assay: OECD 230
- Fish Sexual Development Test: OECD 234
Marine ecotoxicological testing
Microorganisms:
- Microtox toxicity test with Vibrio fischeri (both sediment and aquatic samples)
Algae:
- Growth inhibition test (Skeletonema sp.): ISO 10253
Crustacean:
- Acute toxicity test (Acartia tonsa): ISO 14669
Fish:
- Early life stage toxicity test (Acartia tonsa): ISO 16778
- Fish, Embryo Toxicity (FET) test: OECD 236
- Fish, Acute toxicity test: OECD 203 / ISO 7346 / OSPAR 2006
- Fish, Short-term Toxicity Test on Embryo and Sac-fry Stages: OECD 212
- Fish, Early-life Stage Toxicity Test, OECD 210
Bivalves:
- Embryo-larval development test with Japanese oyster (Crassostrea gigas), ISO 17244
Bioassays relevant for contaminated sediments, dredging materials in ports
Extraction of porewater from the sediments e.g., according to ‘Risk assessment of contaminated sediments’ Norwegian Environment Agency Guidance Note M-1132; 2018.
Amphipod
- Sediment-reworker, acute toxicity, Corophium sp., OSPAR 2006/ ISO 16712
Microorganisms
- Microtox Solid phase toxicity with Vibrio fischeri, ISO 11348
Algae
- Alga growth inhibition test (Skeletonema sp.), ISO 10253
Crustacean
- Acute lethal toxicity to marine copepods (Acartia tonsa), ISO 14669
- Early life stage test with Acartia tonsa, ISO 16778
Fish
- Fish, Short-term Toxicity Test on Embryo and Sac-fry Stages, OECD 212
Produced water – Risk based approach
OSPAR requires three marine species to be used for bioassays to test the whole effluent toxicity of produced water. At DHI we use the following standard tests:
- Microtox (Vibrio fisheri): ISO 11348-2
- Algae (Skeletonema sp.): ISO 10253
- Crustacean (Acartia tonsa): ISO 14669
- Toxicity test on Corophium sp. in compliance with OSPAR’s protocol for testing of chemicals used in the offshore petroleum industry, if the substance is a sinker, has a Koc > 1000, has a log (Pow) >4, on in any other way are known to adsorb to particles or end up in the sediments, or contain surfactants.
Biodegradability tests
Ready biodegradability – Closed bottle test: OECD 301D / ISO 10707
Ready biodegradability – Manometric respirometry test: OECD 301F
Biodegradability in seawater: OECD 306
How does it work?
You are welcome to contact us directly for an initial discussion of an ecotoxicological test program or a tailor-made design of the studies.
Key Features
Specialized in ecotoxicological tests with marine species
Experience in testing chemicals for potential endocrine disrupting properties using fish
Extensive experience with whole effluent toxicity tests of mixed effluents including discharged ballast water and produced water
Fate modelling utilized in environmental risk assessment to estimate Predicted Environmental Concentrations (PEC)
Order your toxicological test today at our Environmental and Ecotoxicological Laboratory
Contact our DHI experts in ecotoxicological testing for more information:
Anja Kamper: aka@dhigroup.com, +45 4516 9082
Amalie Thit Bruus Jensen: atbj@dhigroup.com, +45 4516 9229
Gitte I. Petersen: gip@dhigroup.com, +45 4516 9312