Use of Bioluminescence in Detecting Biohazardous Substances in Water

 

Kenneth Wm. Thomulka and Lois H. Peck

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1995, Volume 16

Abstract

Biological assays are important tools for detecting hazardous materials in water. Presented here is an inexpensive, reproducible assay that requires minimal preparation and equipment. Students are provided with a direct method of detecting potentially biohazardous materials in water by observing the reduction in bacterial luminescence in the non-pathogenic marine bacteria, Vibrio harveyi or Vibrio fischeri. This novel procedure, an attention getter, serves as a motivational tool, stimulating interest and evoking curiosity.

Keywords:  biohazardous, bioluminescence, biotoxicity, luciferase

Emory University (1994)