EPA introduces toxicity testing method with insect

Written by Writer on Thursday, October 16th, 2008

EPA introduces toxicity testing method with insect

CNA
Wednesday, October 15, 2008

TAIPEI, Taiwan –– The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) recently introduced a new method to test for water or mud toxicity using a small insect, the Hyalella azteca, significantly reducing the time and cost of toxicity testing, the agency said Tuesday.

According to the Environmental Analysis Laboratory under the EPA, the Hyalella azteca, an amphipod of about 5 millimeters long that is common in aquatic systems, has already been used for toxicity testing by the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Geological Survey.

“The insect adapts easily to environments of a wide range of temperatures, from 10 to 35 degrees Celsius. Their individual differences are imperceptible, and they are sensitive to toxic materials, such as pesticides and heavy metals, “ Yang Hsi-nan, a researcher from the laboratory said at a press conference, speaking about the advantages of using the insect.