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OECD 211: Daphnia magna Reproduction Test

Water flees are important grazers feeding on phytoplancton. Therefore they are part of risk assessments for several kinds of substances like plant protection products, industrial chemicals, biocides and medicinal products for human and veterinary use. Additionally they are easy to rear and sensitive to water pollution.

Study Design

Test organisms

The water flea Daphnia magna belongs to the Crustacea, subclass Phyllopoda. Young daphnids not older than 24 hours are tested from our own synchronous laboratory culture.

Course of the test

This prolonged test focuses on sublethal effects like reproduction ability. During an exposure period of 21 days the number of offspring as well as immobility is determined. The test is performed with 10 replicates  in static, semi static or flow through design for each test item concentration and for the control. Each replicate contains one Daphnia.

Exposure takes place in a controlled environment room with defined temperature and light regime. Dissolved oxygen, pH and water temperature are measured regularly. The test item concentrations are checked by analytical dose verification.

Endpoints

LOEC, NOEC, EC50 (EC20, EC10) for immobility and reproduction of the daphnids are determined.  

Guidelines and literature

  • OECD 211: Daphnia magna reproduction test
  • Commission Regulation 440/2008/EC, C.20, 2008
  • EPA Ecological Effects Test Guideline OPPTS 850.1300 Daphnid Chronic Toxicity Test, April 1996.