Case studies
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Study Sites
Interlaboratory Validation Program: U.S. Army
A three-year, three phase interlaboratory validation project was performed as the final validation process following the preparation of an American Society of Testing & Materials (ASTM) standard guide for the performance of FETAX.
R&D Chemical Product Testing: Agricultural Chemical Manufacturer
A two-phase, multi-year project prescreening chemicals synthesized in R&D for developmental toxicity prior to more extensive testing was performed. Potential human health and ecological hazard information was generated.
Development of the Short-Term Indicators of Ecological Hazard: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science & Technology (OCAST)
Short-term indicators of ecological hazard using FETAX as a model system for amphibians and fish were developed. Pure chemical toxicants, surface waters, groundwaters, whole sediments, sediment extracts, and solid extracts were used to develop the appropriate model systems.
Development of a Model Toxics Control Program: State of Washington Department of Ecology
Developmental toxicity hazard assessment information at six different hazardous waste sites was provided using FETAX. Information was used to develop a Model Toxics Control Program for monitoring toxicity at waste sites.
Evaluation of Nutritional Essentiality: U.S. Borax
The nutritional essentiality of boron was evaluated using FETAX as a developmental model and adultXenopus as a test organism representative of lower vertebrates.
Structure-Activity Relationship of Caffeine and Metabolites: ILSI
Structure-activity (potency) relationships were developed for caffeine, thirteen metabolites, and one synthetic phosphodiesterase inhibitor.
Ecological Risk Assesment Support: Multiple Agencies
Potential ecological risk to native amphibian populations in the norteastern, midwestern and western US were evaluated by designing and conducting in situ and laboratory-based studies. Studies focused on reproduction and development at the individual and population levels.
Bermuda Amphibian Deformity Project: Bermuda Zoological Society
Studies, including laboratory microcosms and in in situ studies were designed and conducted to determine the cause of deformities in the giant toad, Bufo marinus . Study involved an evaluation of population level effects in the giant toads and whistling tree frog, as well as, potential implications on human health in Bermuda . See pictures of the Bermuda study site here.
Evaluation of Military Base Sites for Ecological Hazards: Private Consultants
As a component of large ecological risk assessment, three separate military bases set for closure were evaluated for potential hazard to several species of amphibians, reptiles and fish.
Toxicity Reduction Evaluation – Petroleum Refineries: US-Based Oil Refineries
Toxicity Reduction Evaluations (TREs) for three major refineries were designed and performed to assist in WET Compliance.
Pharmaceutical Drug Discovery Program: Three Separate Pharmaceutical Manufacturer
Evaluation of R&D pharmaceutical products within a discovery program were evaluated using FETAX and prioritized for further evaluation.
Development and Refinement of Amphibian Test Methods for Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): OCAST
Two projects involving the development, refinement, and validation of test methods designed to rapidly evaluate the impact of chemicals on the amphibian reproductive system and thyroid axis were evaluated. Two new prototype methods for screening EDCs with amphibians were developed.
Xenopus tropicalis Project – OCAST
An investigation the use of X.tropicalis in FETAX as a possible replacement for X. laevis was performed.X.tropicalis offerred several advantages over X. laevis as a test species.
Amphibian Ecological Risk Assessment of Lower Housatonic River : USEPA
Studies were designed and conducted to evaluate the impact of PCBs on amphibian reproduction and development in the lower Housatonic River . Results were incorporated into a large-scale ecological risk assessment.
Endocrine Disruptor Testing and Screening (EDSP) Support – Amphibians: Battelle/USEPA
Fort Environmental Laboratories served as the primary subcontractor responsible for development of Detailed Review Papers (DRPs), and the performance of demonstration and pre-validation studies. Three DRPs were prepared addressing the practicability of an anuran thyroid disruption model, thyroid hormone disruption assays, and amphibian reproduction and growth. Demonstration and pre-validation (OECD Phase II) studies of the amphibian metamorphosis assay were performed.
Use of Short-Term Indicators of Endocrine Disruption Associated with Glycol Ethers and Flame Retardants – SC Johnson & Son
High-throughput models were used to evaluate the endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity of a glycol ether series, polybrominated biphenyls, and perfluorinated chemicals (PFOS).
Amphibian Ecological Risk Assessment of Lower Housatonic River: USEPA
Studies were designed and conducted to evaluate the impact of PCBs on amphibian reproduction and development in the lower Housatonic River. Results were incorporated into a large-scale ecological risk assessment.
Endocrine Disruptor Testing and Screening (EDSP) Support – Amphibians: Battelle/USEPA
Fort Environmental Laboratories served as the primary subcontractor responsible for development of Detailed Review Papers (DRPs), and the performance of demonstration and pre-validation studies. Three DRPs were prepared addressing the practicability of an anuran thyroid disruption model, thyroid hormone disruption assays, and amphibian reproduction and growth. Demonstration and pre-validation (OECD Phase II) studies of the amphibian metamorphosis assay were performed.
Use of Short-Term Indicators of Endocrine Disruption Associated with Glycol Ethers and Flame Retardants – SC Johnson & Son
High-throughput models were used to evaluate the endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity of a glycol ether series, polybrominated biphenyls, and perfluorinated chemicals (PFOS).