Use of the luminescent bacterial system for the rapid assessment of aquatic toxicity.

A simple and reliable method for monitoring the toxicity of aquatic samples has been developed. The assay is based on changes in the light output of luminescent bacteria, as measured by a temperature controlled photometric device. The new assay method described here correlates well with other bioassays yet requires less than thirty minutes to obtain a complete reportable assay. The assay system is an instrumental approach in which the bioassay organisms are handled like a chemical reagent. Data are presented which verify the sensitivity of this toxicity test. Data comparing this assay method with conventional procedures such as fish toxicity assays are also present. Various applications of this new test method, Microtox TM, are discussed.