Protection of aquatic species requires prevention of unacceptable effects on populations in natural habitats from harmful contaminants of organic, inorganic components; as well as heavy metals. Therefore, toxicity tests are conducted to provide data to detect toxicity and predict what changes in the survival of individual species might result from similar exposure (or continued exposure) in the natural habit. Information might also be obtained on the effects of the material on the health of other species.
A critical component of the Clean Water Act (and all environmental programs) requires all stakeholders to employ best management practices (BMPs). These are a series of repeatable processes applicable to the project or study. As such BMPs are techniques used to manage and control activities, maintain quality and consistency, and in the most cost-effective manner.
Bioluminescent dinoflagellates represent an important eucaryotic group (having a nucleus and complex cellular structures) which have been present for 3.5 billion years and are widely distributed in the environment. The endpoint for ASTM E1924 testing (QwikLite) is based on a measurable reduction or inhibition in light output from the dinoflagellates. When bioluminescent dinoflagellates are exposed to toxicants, a measurable reduction in bioluminescence is observed from their cells following mechanical stimulation when compared to control cells.
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.