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Biological Tissue Analysis (BIOTA)

Why Biota Analysis Experience Matters

Biological Tissue Analysis (BIOTA) analysis determines the extent to which toxic substances have accumulated in plant and animal tissue. A component of many environmental assessment projects, analyzing biota is more challenging than other matrices, such as water and soil.

Pace® has developed proprietary methodologies for tissue extraction and analysis to ensure accurate measurement of persistent contaminants in these matrices. Because environmental projects often revolve around wetlands and waterways, we’re experts at minimizing any impact to the environment when sampling and testing. When risk assessment calls for analytical work that goes beyond established methodology, Pace® also offers method development for non-standard, site-specific substances.

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closeup of microscope. Biological Tissue Analysis (BIOTA), Pace Biota laboratories

What Is Biological Tissue Analysis (BIOTA)?

The determination of toxic residues in organisms in a contaminated area is an important part of the ecological risk assessment process. Biological Tissue Analysis (BIOTA) measures the accumulation of toxic substances in plant and animal tissues. This data is often used as an indicator of contamination impacting the food chain and human health. Biota analyses can also provide evidence of the short- or long-range transport of specific compounds.

Biota samples are often tested in conjunction with other types of matrices such as water and/or sediment. However, assessing contaminants in biota provides a different view of the contamination. While sediment analysis can show the level of contaminants in the environment, biota analysis measures how much of that contaminant is taken up by plants and animals (referred to as the bioavailable). This difference is more pronounced for some compounds or groups of compounds, such as dioxins.

Biota Analysis Case Study: Fox River

READ OUR FOX RIVER CASE STUDY
row of test tubes with blue liquid. Biological Tissue Analysis (BIOTA), Pace Biota laboratories

Biota Test Methods

Pace® offers Biological Tissue Analysis (BIOTA) testing in accordance with EPA standards. We can also modify methods to deal with particularly complex tissue matrices. If you are unsure which type of test your project requires, reach out to us. Our experts would be glad to help.

Biota Matrices

Pace® range of matrices includes but is not limited to the following:

Fish jumping out of water. Biological Tissue Analysis (BIOTA), Pace Biota laboratories
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Experience You Can Trust

Pace® has more than decades of experience in the analysis of biological tissues. We routinely analyze fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and plants for environmental contaminants. This includes PFAS, Metals, PCB Aroclors, PCB congeners, Dioxin/Furans, Organochlorine Pesticides, and other organics. The Pace® team combines the talents of experienced chemists, project managers, sampling technicians, and dedicated product and program managers to assist in the selection and application of appropriate sampling strategies and provide support for the most demanding projects.

Additional Resources

Need to find a lab that can handle your unique requirements?
Contact us directly or download our list of environmental certifications across our network.

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