Laboratory for Ecotoxicology (LECOTOX) at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad was formally organized in the beginning of 2006 to form functional competitive research team ready for application of genomics based tools in ecotoxicology, together with conventional toxicity tests and traditional function-based biomarkers, which may be used to validate the toxic mechanisms of the contaminants.

LECOTOX represents qualified research capacity focused on two topics: (a) endocrine disruption / reproductive toxicity and (b) identification and characterization of aquatic toxicity in accordance with modern scientific approach, environmental quality standards and criteria.

Currently applied methods with molecular and cellular end-points on cell cultures are: CYP enzyme induction (microEROD analysis); viability/cytotoxicity/proliferation tests; gene expression analysis – RTqPCR; ELISA or RIA for steroid and protein hormones and others biomolecules; tests on estrogenic potency: aromatase activity, oxidative stress and early intoxication end-points – AOEs, LPO (MDA).

Currently applied methods in aquatic toxicology are: acute and chronic toxicity tests on a battery of standard aquatic laboratory organisms: Daphnia magna, Danio rerio, Selenastrum capricornutum, Vibrio fischeri, Pseudomonas putida according to standard ISO/CEN, OECD and US EPA methodology for routine ambient water quality monitoring and compliance monitoring of industrial and urban effluents (whole effluent toxicity testing - WET), under requirements of national regulations in force, as a prerequisite for remediation activities on contaminated sediments and soils and for ecological risk assessment. Laboratory is facilitated for tests aimed at setting environmental standards (according to requirements and provisions of Annex V of Water Framework Directive), capable of assisting authorities and industry in the area of investigative monitoring. All studies are carried out in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).