Short CommunicationReducing the number of fish in bioconcentration studies for plant protection products by reducing the number of test concentrations

Fish bioconcentration tests are time consuming, expensive, and use many animals. Alternative methods that replace, reduce or refine the use of fish for BCF testing would therefore be of value. Test guidelines generally require that bioconcentration factors (BCFs) are determined at two exposure concentrations. However, recent revisions to the OECD Test Guideline for BCF testing (TG 305) provide the option to use only one exposure concentration, when justification is provided, although two concentrations may still be required for some regulatory purposes. Analysis of 55 studies on plant protection products demonstrates that BCF values do not significantly differ between the two exposure concentrations. This analysis therefore provides evidence to support the revision of OECD TG 305, and in particular provides justification for using the one test concentration approach for plant protection product active substances.

► We reviewed bioconcentration data for 55 plant protection product active substances. ► Bioconcentration factors did not differ between low and high exposure concentrations. ► This evidence supports the use of one concentration for plant protection products. ► This would reduce fish use in bioconcentration factor testing by one third.