Study launched to expand use of bioanalytical cell assays for more aquatic matrices

SCCWRP and its partners have launched an intercalibration exercise to evaluate laboratories’ proficiency using bioanalytical cell assays to detect contaminants in surface water, stormwater, seawater and other aquatic matrices.

The intercalibration exercise, launched in July, is intended to help expand the number of aquatic matrices and types of bioactive contaminants that can be routinely screened in California using bioanalytical cell assays.

The intercalibration exercise will focus on evaluating laboratories’ proficiency screening five aquatic matrices using three assays: the glucocorticoid receptor assay, which screens for immunotoxic chemicals, and the androgen receptor and anti-androgen receptor assays, both of which screen hormones controlling male sexual development and reproduction.

In 2020, California began requiring certain types of recycled water to be screened for bioactive contaminants using two other assays: the estrogen receptor assay and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor assay.

Bioanalytical screening serves as a valuable additional line of evidence for detecting chemical contamination, especially for chemicals not being routinely monitored.