Overview
ISO/TS 20787:2017 - Nanotechnologies - Aquatic toxicity assessment of manufactured nanomaterials in saltwater lakes using Artemia sp. nauplii - specifies a standardized test method for assessing whether manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) are toxic to salt‑water aquatic organisms. The method uses freshly hatched Artemia sp. nauplii in artificial seawater to simulate salt lake ecosystems and generate repeatable, reliable ecotoxicity data for regulatory, research and safety assessments.
Key keywords: ISO/TS 20787:2017, nanotechnologies, aquatic toxicity assessment, Artemia sp. nauplii, manufactured nanomaterials, artificial seawater, nanoparticles.
Key topics and technical requirements
This technical specification defines the essential elements of a robust aquatic nanotoxicity bioassay:
- Test organism and culture: procedures for hatching, culturing and harvesting Artemia sp. nauplii from cysts to obtain uniform age and physiological state.
- Exposure media: use of artificial seawater to reproduce salt‑lake conditions appropriate for Artemia (noting their broad salinity tolerance).
- MNM scope: applicable to nano‑objects and their aggregates/agglomerates - e.g., nanoparticles, nanopowders, nanofibres, nanotubes, nanowires.
- Dispersion handling: preparation, physico‑chemical characterization and stability assessment of MNM dispersions in stock suspensions and in artificial seawater.
- Test design: definition of control groups (including positive control), test concentrations, exposure conditions, observation schedules and test duration to maximize repeatability.
- Analytical and biological endpoints: measurement of exposure concentrations, observations of nauplius effects, and data handling.
- Reporting and validity: standardized information to include in test reports and criteria for result validity and repeatability.
The specification references established ISO nanotechnology and ecotoxicology guidance documents to ensure alignment with broader characterization and reporting practices.
Applications and who uses it
ISO/TS 20787:2017 is intended for:
- Ecotoxicology laboratories experienced in hatching and culturing Artemia and conducting aquatic bioassays.
- Researchers studying environmental fate and effects of MNMs in saline lake ecosystems.
- Regulatory bodies and industry groups performing hazard assessment, product stewardship, or environmental risk assessments for nanomaterials.
- Test facilities developing comparative datasets for nanotoxicology, safety dossiers, or eco‑labeling.
Practical uses include screening MNMs for acute toxicity in saline environments, comparing material formulations, and supporting environmental risk assessment for products containing nanomaterials.
Related standards
Relevant normative references cited in ISO/TS 20787:2017 include:
- ISO 10993-12 (sample preparation)
- ISO/TS 12805, 16195, 17200 (nanomaterials specifications)
- ISO/TR 13014 (physico‑chemical characterization guidance)
- ISO/TS 80004 series (nanotechnology vocabulary)
- ISO 15088 (zebrafish egg toxicity methodology) - as an example of related aquatic testing approaches
Using ISO/TS 20787:2017 helps generate comparable, repeatable data for aquatic nanotoxicology and supports responsible development and regulation of manufactured nanomaterials.