Quantification of ecotoxicological tests based on bioluminescence using Polaroid film.
Assays based on the measurement of bacterial luminescence are widely used in ecotoxicology. Bacterial strains responding either to general toxicity or specific pollutants are rapid, cost-effective and easy to use. However, quantification of the signal requires relatively expensive instrumentation. We show here that the detection of luminescence of BioTox, a Vibrio fischeri-based toxicity test, and of a specific recombinant bacterial strain for arsenic determination, is possible using common Polaroid film. The exposed films can be used for visual or computer-assisted quantification of the signal. Qualitative visual comparison to standards can be used in the rapid and relatively accurate estimation of toxicity or pollutant concentration. The computer-assisted method significantly improves the accuracy and quantification of the results. The results obtained by computer-assisted quantification were in good agreement with the values obtained with a luminometer.
Tamminen
Manu V
MV
Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland. manu.tamminen@helsinki.fi
Virta
Marko P J
MP
D048908:Aliivibrio fischeri / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D001152:Arsenicals / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008163:Luminescent Measurements / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards
D001152:Arsenicals; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical