Studies are designed to assess the biological effects of exposure to previously contaminated sediment, water and soil as well as in spiked samples of these matrices.

Our location and computer-interface systems provide us with unique capabilities in aquatic and sediment toxicity to conduct exposures in natural full-strength seawater as well as in freshwater. The laboratory contains a salinity control system to automatically produce a range of salinities for estuarine studies based upon study needs.

The toxicant exposure systems in the laboratory are used to evaluate the effects of short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) exposures to chemicals in soil, sediment and water to determine effects on survival, growth, development, and reproduction of organisms. We can also monitor swimming behavior and respiration to measure attraction-avoidance responses, swimming speeds, locomotor patterns and metabolism.

The unique feature of our flow-through water systems is that chemical dosing, photoperiod and temperature in both acute and chronic exposure studies are automatically controlled and monitored via a Windows-based Diluter Control System.  Sediment toxicity exposure systems are also automated to deliver and control overlying water volumes and different cycle times. 

Single-species as well as multi-species outdoor microcosm studies are conducted. Exposure systems are used to study the bioavailability, bioconcentration and bioaccumulation of contaminants from water, sediment and soil. All ecotoxicity studies are supported by in-house analytical chemistry.

Information from the FIU SERC Ecotoxicology Laboratory is used to:

● evaluate potential toxicity and screening of single chemicals and contaminated aquatic, sediment and soil environments

● prepare ecological  risk assessments (ERAs) for aquatic and terrestrial environments

● conduct natural resource damage assessments

● provide guidance to optimize efficiency of site cleanups and develop safe numerical water, sediment and soil criteria

● evaluate toxicity of effluent wastewaters and determine causative agent(s) through toxicity identification evaluations (TIEs)

●assess toxicity of exposure to mixtures of chemicals to determine interaction(s)

All ecotoxicology studies are conducted in compliance with U.S. EPA Good Laboratory Practice Standards. Test protocols are available for single chemicals in water, sediment and soil for FIFRA, FDA and TSCA studies, effluents for NPDES under the CWA, dredged material under MPRSA and contaminated environments for CERCLA and RCRA. Studies are also designed to answer special ecotoxicity questions about chemical/oil spills, hazardous waste sites and the registration of new chemicals and drugs.  The laboratory has conducted ecotoxicity studies and prepared ecological risk assessments for state and federal agencies and industry.

For additional information contact: 
Gary M. Rand, Ph.D., Professor and Director
Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment
SERC/Environmental Studies Department
Florida International University
3000 N.E. 151st Street
North Miami, FL 33181

Tel: (305) 919-5869
Fax: (305) 919- 5887
e-mail: randg@fiu.edu 

Facilities

Flow-Through Systems

Sediment Systems