Detection of biohazardous materials in water by measuring bioluminescence reduction with the marine organism Vibrio harveyi

Abstract

This study evaluated two bioassay methods, direct and growth, using Vibrio harveyi, a bioluminescent bacterium, to detect biohazardous materials in water. The end point measured for the evaluation of the toxicity of the various substances tested was the median effective concentration for bioluminescence reduction. Thirty‐four compounds were tested, including representatives from the following chemical categories: azide, alcohols, antibiotics, antioxidants, detergents, formalin, heavy metals, oxidants and peroxide. While the direct and growth assays were unable to identify toxicity in seventeen and seven compounds, respectively, they appear to be more sensitive than the Microtox assay system. The use of these assay methods for monitoring and evaluating aquatic environments is discussed.