Aquatic toxicity is usually determined on organisms representing different trophic levels of the food chain, i.e. vertebrates (fish), invertebrates (crustaceans, such as daphnia commonly called water fleas) and plants (algae).

Measuring aquatic toxicity is especially important for lubricants and greases used in the marine industry, as the likelihood of these products ending up in water is high. However, it’s also important in TLL (Total Loss Lubrication) and PLL (Partial Loss Lubrication) systems on land, such as rail lubricants, as they can wash off into waterways after use.

The most common test for aquatic toxicity is OECD 201, which determines the effects of a substance on the growth of microalgae and/or cyanobacteria. The ideal requirement for substances is an aquatic toxicity of > 100 mg/L. Look for this information on the product data sheet.

At RS Clare, we mainly produce Ecolabel lubricants and greases for TTL and PLL systems, where the need for high environmental performance is greatest. But we can reformulate almost any product to meet Ecolabel requirements if you require it.

If you want a product with an Ecolabel formulation, get in touch with us and we’ll see what we can do.