About the Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory

 

 

WHO WE ARE: The Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory (ATL) is a State-certified lab with over 20 years of experience in investigating surface water quality and aquatic ecosystem health in watersheds throughout California. ATL is part of the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and is involved in both research and teaching activities.

 

WHAT WE DO: ATL activities focus on conducting aquatic organism toxicity tests, as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), using standard as well as resident aquatic species. The ATL also performs Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIEs) on toxic samples to identify the cause(s) of toxicity. In addition, the ATL conducts benthic macroinvertebrate bioassessments to assess the health of wadeable streams, uses in situ toxicity tests to assess aquatic ecosystem health, and conducts biomarker studies to detect the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals and other sublethal stressors on aquatic species. We are dedicated to producing high quality data by following protocols and quality assurance criteria established by the US EPA and the State of California’s Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP).

OUR MISSION: The ATL strives to contribute to the restoration and preservation of healthy aquatic ecosystems. We are committed to the generation, advancement, dissemination, and application of knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and environmental stressors that affect their health and integrity. ATL takes pride in producing high quality data, reports and publications, as well as providing training and instruction to UCD students, and the public.