Use of a Rapid Bioluminescent Bioassay (QwikLite) Using Oceanic Dinoflagellates to Assess Toxicity in Sediments

摘要

The Navy has developed a rapid bioassay system (QwikLite) that is proving to be a valuable asset for conducting bioassays on other test media (e. g., metals, storm drain discharge, ship hull coatings, and marine sediments). The basis of detection is to measure a reduction in light from the bioluminescent dinoflagellate Gonyaulax polyedra following exposure to a toxicant. The toxic response is usually measured within 24 hours from the start of the test and can be conducted for a 4-day acute test or 7-day chronic test. A measurable reduction or inhibition in bioluminescence is an adverse effect. The endpoint used to measure this light reduction is the IC50 (a 50% reduction in light output when compared to control cells).