Use of Bioluminescence in Detecting Biohazardous Substances in Water

 

Kenneth Wm. Thomulka and Lois H. Peck

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1995, Volume 16

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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)

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