Brixham Environmental Laboratory (BEL) scientists are dedicated to the identification, development and application of science to advance Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA).
We have a proven track record working with our clients and regulatory bodies to provide:
· Pragmatic, innovative testing solutions
· Intelligent ERA
· Collaborative research
Work themes include:
Fate and behaviour of substances in wastewater treatment plants, the aquatic environment (marine and freshwater) and the terrestrial environment. Recent projects have focused on:
· Biodegradability (aerobic and anaerobic)
· Abiotic degradation (photolysis)
· Partitioning in wastewater treatment plants, sediments and soil
Assessment of Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic substances
· Modelling & measurement of substance fate in rivers
· Bioaccumulation in invertebrates
Targeted effects testing based on:
· Mode of Action (including endocrine disruption)
· Inter-species read across
· Effects screening (cell lines, tissue cultures, molecular signatures)
Population-level risk assessment based on:
· Population dynamics modelling (incl. sensitivity & viability analysis)
· Population genetics (use of representative test organisms)
Cumulative risk assessment (of chemical mixtures)
A considerable commitment to animal welfare and the principles of Replacement, Reduction, Refinement (3Rs)
· Development of in-vitro assays (replacement)
· Improved test design and data analysis (refinement and reduction)
· Development and applications of QSARS (replacement)
· Environmental enrichment for laboratory fish (welfare refinement)
· Anaesthesia, analgesia in laboratory fish (welfare refinement)
Our expert staff maintain a worldwide reputation at the forefront of environmental science by regularly contributing to international conferences, workshops and events such as those hosted by SETAC, ECETOC, Cefic, ILSI-HESI, ISO and SOT. Our work is also published in the peer reviewed literature (link to publication list).
With co-funding from BBSRC, EPSRC, GWR NERC, TSB and broader European Framework programmes such as ERAPharm, we work in collaboration with leading academics, as well as industrial partners across the world. We have supported more than 50 studentships and 10 Postdoctoral researchers in the last 10 years.
We are also actively involved in the review and development of new testing guidelines and guidance documents (e.g. OECD, ISO) to help promote robust scientific methodology in future ERA.
