Daphnia magna Reproduction Test (OECD TG 211)
The Daphnia magna Reproduction Test according to OECD TG 211 is a chronic toxicity study designed to assess the effects of substances on the survival, growth, and reproductive performance of aquatic invertebrates. As a key species in freshwater ecosystems, Daphnia magna serves as an important indicator organism for long-term environmental risk assessment.
In this test, individual female Daphnia (less than 24 hours old at the start of exposure) are exposed to a range of concentrations of the test substance under controlled laboratory conditions over a period of 21 days. Throughout the study, organisms are observed regularly, and endpoints such as adult survival, time to first brood, number of offspring produced, and any abnormalities in reproduction are recorded.
The results are used to establish concentration–response relationships and to determine key chronic toxicity endpoints, including the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) and the Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC), as well as effect concentrations (e.g. EC₁₀ or EC₅₀) where applicable.
This test provides essential data for evaluating the long-term effects of chemicals on aquatic invertebrate populations and is a fundamental component of environmental risk assessment and regulatory decision-making.
