Standardization

The scientific community always aims for developing and optimizing test methods to optimally meet regulatory requirements. Noack Laboratorien supports this process by regularly participating in method ring tests and in working groups.

Being part of the DIN working group “Marine biotests”, we have co-developed a biotest set for marine sediments, which is a standard procedure today. In the same context we advance the development of a multiwall plate-based test for marine algae in order to accelerate high-throughput screenings. We also take part in the DIN/ISO working group “Endocrine disruptors” and have participated in a YES assay ring test in 2016. Recently, Noack Laboratorien participated in ring tests dealing with transformation in manure and for the improvement of the guideline assessing biodegradability in seawater (OECD 306). Our staff takes part in different working groups of the German Quality Management Association to maintain our high quality standards with regard to IT, analytics and ecotoxicity requirements.

Aquatic ecotoxicity
Noack Laboratorien has always been active in the assessment and development of methods of aquatic toxicity testing. Since 1990, we have been taking part in many ring tests on aquatic methods such as algal toxicity, tests on sediment organism like Coropophium, Athrobacter globiformis and Chironomus, daphnid acute and reproduction studies, luminous bacteria tests and Lemna toxicity studies on a regular basis. In collaboration with the Umweltbundesamt, a ring test for a sediment-free Myriophyllum study type was conducted at Noack Laboratorien in 2010. On repeating occasions, the test batteries are assessed with regard to their suitability for testing of different substances like wastewater, surface water or construction products.

Terrestrial ecotoxicity
In terms of terrestrial method validation, Noack Laboratorien has contributed in ring tests of a variety of laboratory and semi-field arthropod tests like Poecilus, Chrysoperla and Pardosa test methods. Additionally, ring tests of studies on soil organisms like earthworms, enchytraeids, collembolans and lumbricids as well as of mutagenicity assays like Umu and Ames test have been conducted in the facility.

Environmental Fate
Methods for the assessment of environmental fate have also been assessed at Noack Laboratorien. In 2013, we participated in a ring test for the Protozoan Activated Sludge Phagocytosis Inhibition Test. Adsorption on activated sludge, anaerobic degradation and Pseudomonas respiration tests were co-tested in the facility.To achieve the most reliable and significant data for our clients’ purposes we continue being active members of the scientific community and taking part in developing and optimizing new and existing test methods.