Applications

Light: Indicator and Predictor

Research Organism: Plankton

Resources & References

Scientific Articles

Resources & References

ASTM Standard

• ASTM Standard E1924-97(2004) Standard Guide for Conducting Toxicity Tests with Bioluminescent Dinoflagellates


ASTM E1924 Standard Guide for Conducting Toxicity Tests with Bioluminescent Dinoflagellates, was reviewed and approved in 1997 and, reapproved in 2004. In 2006, this technology was made commercially available under the Federal Transfer of Technology Act and has been useful in environmental assessments. The ASTM E1924 test method provides a rapid toxicity response indication by measuring the reduction in bioluminescence of the plankton. The United States Navy holds the original patents to the technology.

This toxicity detection method uses a portable instrument to measure the light output of the organism after they have been exposed to water samples. If there are harmful contaminants, bioluminescence is reduced in a predictable and measurable relationship (as toxicity increases, light decreases). The rapid toxicity test provides results in 24 hours or less and all tested samples are compared to a control group. This method is useful in screening of water bodies for toxicity or water quality due to contaminants (organic, inorganic, and heavy metals), as well as baseline assessment applications. Regular and frequent monitoring will provide more consistent and efficient use of resources in toxicity identification projects and/or remediation plans.

Technical Application Notes

• Seawater Toxicity Assessments Using the QwikLite® 200 Biosensor System
• Freshwater Toxicity Assessments Using the QwikLite® 200 Biosensor System
• Sediment Toxicity Assessments Using the QwikLite® 200 Biosensor System
• How to Measure and Adjust Salinity in Reference Samples for the QwikLite® 200 Biosensor System
• Ammonia Reference Testing Using the QwikLite® 200 Biosensor System

Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing Procedural Manuals

• EPA-821-R-02-012 Methods for Measuring Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms (5 th Edition); October 2002
• EPA-821-R-02-013 Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Water to Freshwater Organisms; (4 th Edition); October 2002
• EPA-821-R-02-014 Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Water to Marine and Estuarine Organisms; (3 rd Edition); October 2002

Related Documents and Information

• EPA 831-S-92-002 Introduction to Water Quality-Based Toxics Control for NPDES Program; March 1992
• EPA/505/2-90-001 Technical Support Document for Water Quality-Based Toxicity Control; March 1991
• EPA 175-B-97-001 Terms of Environment Glossary, Abbreviations and Acronyms; December 1997
• EPA 821-B-00-004 Method Guidance and Recommendations for Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Testing (40 CFR Part 136); July 2000
• EPA 833-R-00-003 Understanding and Accounting for Method Variability in Whole Effluent Toxicity Applications Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program; June 2000
• National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) Standards; Standards version currently in effect: 2001 (New versions are implemented on their effective date.)