Research Organism: Plankton

Background and Theory of Operation

Some species of marine phytoplankton (dinoflagellates) have the ability to produce bioluminescence, a visible blue light, as part of their daily physiological process. Scientific studies and publications have shown that bioluminescence inhibition is strongly correlated to reduction of of phototaxis behavior and chlorophyll fluorescence. Inhibition of these functions indicates significant deleterious changes in the physiology of the dinoflagellates.

The ecological role these minute organisms play as primary producers in the ocean makes them ideal subjects and biological tools in many laboratory situations. QwikLite™ measures this natural phenomenon and uses the phytoplankton as biological indicators of the environment. QwikLite™ performs a simple test called a "bioassay". This test measures light output from bioluminescent dinoflagellates for assessment of toxic effects due to chemical compounds, effluents, contaminated sediments, and antifoulant coatings.

QwikLite™ tests are an excellent way to detect toxicity in the environment since light reduction is inversely related to the toxicity of the tested sample. The greater the level of toxin the lower the level of light emitted, indicating the plankton are either severely stressed or have died from toxic exposure. QwikLite™ is a fast, reliable, accurate and simple method to detect lethal and sublethal biological effects by measuring dinoflagellate bioluminescence and algal chlorophyll fluorescence.

Aquatic Research Organism Comparison

Attributes	Plankton	Bacteria	Minnows	Shrimp
Results (accuracy)
Reliability (repeatable)
Application range
Care of test organism
Experiment time
Handling-shelf life
Initial Equip Cost $
On-going Cost $

Best

Acceptable

Marginal

Poor