• TOXmini for lab and field toxicity testing

• iTOXcontrol for Integrated On-line Toxicity Monitoring

The TOXcontrol uses a decrease in luminescence of the luminescent bacteria as an effect endpoint to measure the toxicity of water samples. The acute test with this bacteria species is one of the most and best known ecotoxicity tests and has been used in ecotoxicological research since the 1980’s (Diehl et al). A large volume of literature on the sensitivities of this test is available and was reviewed by (Kaiser et al, 1991). Because of the sensitivity to different substance groups and the short time needed to perform the test, the toxicity assessment with Vibrio fischeri is internationally standardized and accredited (ISO 11348 Determination of the inhibition effect of water samples on the light emission of Vibrio fischeri).

analyser adapted in online monitor

MicroLAN in 2004 was the first company to have this analyser adapted for online use in a biomonitor with automated processing and measurement of water samples. It has been demonstrated that this biomonitor is suitable for water quality monitoring of the rivers Danube and Rhine, and the instrument has also been used for the evaluation of groundwater remediation (Küster et al).

The EPA’s EWSL in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA) has been conducting research to develop and test biological online toxicity monitors for deployment in water distribution system and watershed management to obtain time-relevant information regarding the status of water quality. A 2% sodium chloride solution with 5mg/L sodium thiosulfate was used in the TOXcontrol as a diluent to provide the bioassay a marine environment and to de-chlorinate when using chlorinated tap water. Baseline tests of the TOXcontrol demonstrated no noticeable inhibitions of the Vibrio fischeri due to addition of sodium thiosulfate at the selected concentration (Allen et all).