Toxicity Testing
Novel Chemicals
KASF Consulting works with small and large companies to test novel chemicals or equipment to determine the effect on quagga and zebra mussel adults, juveniles, and veligers. We work with the client to ensure that their needs and interests are met, but also ensure good study design and applicability to the field. Some factors that we include in our study designs are temperature gradients, water quality changes, or different size classes of organisms tested. By including many of these variables in our study design, we help the client understand the toxicity of their chemical.
Comparison of Chemicals
KASF Consulting collaborates with clients in water management to determine possible treatments that succeed in their unique environment. We have done studies to compare several different chemicals in the same water quality parameters at different temperatures to determine effectiveness of quagga and zebra mussel adults, juveniles, and veligers. We review the literature for previous results and use this to inform our study and look at additional parameters that could be influencing the efficacy of the chemical given the water quality parameters of the site.
Small studies are conducted first in static testing beakers to control more of the variables. After review and determination of important factors, flow-through studies or larger treatment studies are recommended to the client. This will help the client assess the needs of the novel product before additional resources are spent.
At KASF Consulting, we use a specialized method (Fast Green Stain Method) to determine the mortality of the individuals in testing. With this method, we are able to provide our clients with exact end points of duration, and high confidence in the results. We are also able to observe many specimens during treatment decreasing the statistical error of the study.