A simple microplate algal assay technique for aquatic toxicity assessment

Abstract

A simple, miniaturized algal assay procedure using microplates has been developed to assess aquatic toxicity with the green alga, Selenastrum capricornutum. Cell count‐generated EC50 data comparisons with the classic assay using flasks have indicated good agreement between the two methods following toxic assessment of various wastewater samples and metal solutions. Parametric comparisons (ATP us cell counts) with the microplate method show equally good correlation. The technique is highly versatile in conducting basic algal bioassays for varying times (4‐hour, 4‐day, 8‐day EC50's) and with differing parameters, depending on set objectives. Other interesting features of the microplate technique include handling rapidity, economy, space‐saving convenience, and automation potential.

Nitrogen and phosphorus phytoplankton growth limitation in the northern Gulf of Mexico

“…The effects of the small bioassay tube does not seem to be a significant issue for the purpose of this analysis because the potential scaling issue has been examined by others without finding an effect of concern applicable to these experiments. The results of toxicity and growth studies using microplates (100 µl), for example, are comparable to the results in 1 l flasks (Blaise et al 1986), and a comparison of nutrient enrichments in mesocosms ranging from 4 to 500 000 l gave similar results (Spivak et al 2011). We recognize that all bottle experiments have the potential to introduce artifacts that misrepresent natural systems.…”

“…A bioassay is usually a simple cultivation of natural or cultured algal assemblages under various controlled conditions and whose volumetric scale may range from <1 ml to 10 3 m 3 (e.g. Nixon et al 1984, Blaise et al 1986). Bio assays may be conducted to measure growth rate or growth yield as influenced by nutritional factors and inhibitory substances.…”

Influence of microplate material on the sensitivity of growth inhibition tests with bacteria assessing toxic organic substances in water and waste water

“…This phenomenon was also Ž . assumed by Blaise et al 1986 . It is comprehensible, that for sodium phenolate, which has a more hydrophilic character, the EC values did not show dis-50 crepancy, attributed to the difference in the adsorption affinities of polystyrene and of quartz glass.…”

Use of a fluorescence-based approach to assess short-term responses of the alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata to metal stress

“…To this end, attempts have been made to reduce both the time of exposure and the volume of toxicant and to perform automatic readings of the samples (Pardos et al 1998;van der Heever and Grobbelaar 1998; Eisentraeger et al 2003;Fai et al 2007;Machado and Soares 2012). Blaise et al (1986) reported the use of a 4-h test. The impact of toxicants on algal cells was detected by ATP measurement.…”