OECD 210: Fish, Early-life Stage Toxicity Test

OECD 210 is a toxicity test against fish in their early life stage.

OECD 210 exposes fish in their early life stage to a range of concentrations of the test chemical dissolved in water. Tests done on early-life stages of fish are intended to define the lethal and sub-lethal effects of chemicals on the stages and species tested. OECD 210 also helps provide a value for the estimation of the chronic lethal and sub-lethal effects of the chemical on other fish species.

Common Test Organism:

  • Danio rerio (zebrafish)

The standard testing duration for OECD 210 depends on the species used.  The OECD 210 test method should start as soon as possible after the eggs have been fertilized and eggs should be immersed in the test solutions before cleavage of the blastodisc commences.

Observations during testing should be made regarding:

  • Stage of embryonic development: verification of the embryonic stage at the begining of exposure.
  • Hatching & Survival: data recorded at least once daily.
  • Abnormal appearance: deformities and associated abnormal behavior more severe than natural larvae and juvenile fish abnormalities.
  • Abnormal behavior: behavioral abnormalities observed can aid in the interpretation of mortality data.
  • Weight: all surviving fish are weighed at the end of testing.
  • Length: at the end of the test, individual lengths are measured.

It is  important to have data on the test substance’s water solubility (OECD 105)* and the vapour pressure.  It can also be beneficial to have data on the different performance and physical and chemical properties of the material including structural formula, purity of the substance, stability in water and light, the Partition Coefficient (OECD 117)*, Dissociation Constants in water (OECD 112)*, and results of a test for ready biodegradability.

Many toxicology tests are used to meet regulatory requirements for different product applications.  For any testing done to meet regulatory or third party labeling requirements, it is strongly recommended to review requirements prior to testing with the appropriate agency to determine which tests should be performed for label claims or regulatory acceptance.

Depending on the selected species for testing, lead time for OECD 212 can vary.  Please inform the lab of any time restrictions prior to project initiation.

* OECD 105: Water Solubility

*OECD 117: Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water), HPLC Method

For more information on Toxicology Testing, contact our Environmental Testing laboratory at 847-483-9950 or info@situtest.com.