Sensitivity limits and EC50 values of the Vibrio fischeri test for organic micropollutants in natural and spiked extracts from sediments

Abstract

Chemical analyses and bioassays were used in conjunction to assess the quality of sediments of the Venice lagoon. Organic micropollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs] polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], and chlorinated pesticides) were extracted from sediment samples and analyzed by gas chromatography after fractionation into classes of compounds. The Vibrio fischeri test was used to assess the acute toxicity of sediment extracts. The test was applied to organic extracts before cleanup and to extracts purified from sulfur and fractionated into single classes of compounds. Extracts before purification were much more toxic than single fractions. In particular, sulfur was toxic to V. fischeri. For PAHs and PCBs the 50% effective concentration (EC50) and EC20 values were determined using natural and spiked extracts (EC50 = 0.5 μg/ml and 1.4 μg/ml, respectively; EC20 = 0.13 μg/ml and 0.17 μg/ml). Sensitivity limits of the method for these compounds were also estimated as was an EC50 value of elemental sulfur dissolved in ethanol (0.022 μg/ml). A mathematical model was used to fit the concentration–response data to a sigmoid curve.

Bacterial Toxicity Testing: Modification and Evaluation of the Luminescent Bacteria Test and the Respiration Inhibition Test

“…Additionally, the luminescent bacteria test proved to be a reliable test for the determination of toxicity for pure chemicals, chemical mixtures and wastewaters [3,20,[23][24][25][26][27][28]. For this purpose, often test kits using conserved, freeze-dried Vibrio fischeri cells are used, but it is also possible to use freshly prepared cells or cells which have been frozen [11].…”

Ecotoxicity studies of glycerol ethers in Vibrio fischeri: checking the environmental impact of glycerol-derived solvents

“…In this case, we have studied the inhibition of the bioluminescence of Vibrio fischeri (V. fischeri) bacteria. This bioindicator has been frequently used, 21,22 since it is a well-known organism and operating protocols are standardized. Inhibition bioluminescence tests offer robust, easy handling and cost-effective responses.…”

Toxicity Assessment of Cyanide and Tetramethylene Disulfotetramine (Tetramine) Using Luminescent Bacteria Vibrio‐qinghaiensis and PbO2 Electrochemical Sensor

“…Therefore, the bacterial tests that are rapid, easy and inexpensive have been attractive for rapid assessment of the toxicity of chemicals. [8][9][10][11] Luminous bacterium has caught much interest for its specific physiological characteristic and good match of photoelectric measurements and has been applied widely to the environmental monitoring. [12][13][14][15][16][17] Luminous bacterium can emit glaucous visible light with the maximum apex between 450 and 490 nm under normal physiological condition and the bioluminescence is stable.…”