Revisions for Bioassay
| 6 CURRENT | alejobonifacio |
October 13, 2021 19:07
| about 3 years ago
Lead image: Sprouting lettuce seeds, Rasbak, CC BY SA What’s a bioassay and how does it work?A bioassay is a method that uses plants, animals, or other living things to measure the harmful effects of environmental pollution. This method works by exposing living things to different environmental samples, like soil or water, that vary in how polluted they are. Polluting chemicals in soil or water can affect how that living thing grows or functions. For example, contaminated soil can stunt a plant’s growth (see the image below) or prevent plant seeds from sprouting. So, measuring and comparing growth in living things exposed to different environmental samples can indicate the relative toxicity of the sample. You can find a good introduction to bioassays with a short list of environmental monitoring studies that have used bioassays at the Environmental Inquiry page from Cornell University.
Please help these resources grow (pun very intended) by editing this page or adding and answering questions!
You can also follow along and get updates on new resources by subscribing to the `bioassay` tag DIY bioassay methodsLettuce seed bioassay for soil or waterThis method uses common lettuce seeds to test for toxicity in soil or water samples. Contaminants in the soil or water can prevent seeds from germinating (sprouting) or slow down root growth. Image: A lettuce seed bioassay showing longer roots in seeds that sprouted in distilled water (DW) compared to shorter roots in seeds exposed to different concentrations of ethyl acetate, a chemical that negatively affects growth. From Waqas et al. 2013, CC BY How to use this method:
Basic info about this method:
A particular variety of lettuce called “Buttercrunch” (Latin species name Lactuca sativa) is the standard variety typically used in bioassays and recommended by the US EPA. Duckweed bioassay for waterDuckweeds are tiny floating plants that live in freshwater ponds, lakes, and wetlands. They grow quickly by adding leaf-like fronds. The bioassay compares growth rates by counting the number of new fronds over time. Image: Flowering duckweed, rjp, CC BY SA How to use this method: The Environmental Inquiry page is again a great resource. On the duckweed bioassay page, you’ll find links for guidance on culturing/keeping duckweed, instructions for performing the bioassay, and guidance for analyzing your results.
Not-quite-DIY and commercial bioassay methodsBioluminescence inhibition assayThe “bioluminescence inhibition assay” is a widely-used and standardized method that uses bioluminescent (glowing) marine bacteria to indicate toxicity of environmental samples, including soil, sediment, and water. Pollutants in the sample interfere with the bacteria’s functioning, and that reduces (inhibits) the amount of visible light they produce. The change in their light output is measured and correlated with toxicity levels. In general, the more polluted the sample, the dimmer the bacteria get. The bacteria most commonly used is Aliivibrio fischeri (a.k.a Vibrio fischeri), which is widely found in oceans around the world. Image: A Hawaiian bobtail squid whose glowing skin comes from bioluminescent marine bacteria. The bioluminescence inhibition assay uses the bacteria, not the squid. Margaret McFall-Ngai, CC BY How to use this method: A portable commercial unit with all the equipment needed from the Microtox company costs about $10k USD. Here’s a rapid test kit from another company for $160 USD.
BUT! Is it possible to break this method down into separate components and make at least some of the parts more accessible? Here’s a wiki page for some ideas and questions: [link coming soon]
Uses for bioassays
Limitations
Questions[questions:bioassay] Research notes[notes:bioassay] Wikis[wikis:bioassay] Activities[activities:bioassay] Further reading and resourcesGuides and protocols
Published articles
|
Revert | |
| 5 | bhamster |
September 09, 2021 20:25
| over 3 years ago
Lead image: Sprouting lettuce seeds, Rasbak, CC BY SA What’s a bioassay and how does it work?A bioassay is a method that uses plants, animals, or other living things to measure the harmful effects of environmental pollution. This method works by exposing living things to different environmental samples, like soil or water, that vary in how polluted they are. Polluting chemicals in soil or water can affect how that living thing grows or functions. For example, contaminated soil can stunt a plant’s growth (see the image below) or prevent plant seeds from sprouting. So, measuring and comparing growth in living things exposed to different environmental samples can indicate the relative toxicity of the sample. You can find a good introduction to bioassays with a short list of environmental monitoring studies that have used bioassays at the Environmental Inquiry page from Cornell University.
Please help these resources grow (pun very intended) by editing this page or adding and answering questions!
You can also follow along and get updates on new resources by subscribing to the `bioassay` tag DIY bioassay methodsLettuce seed bioassay for soil or waterThis method uses common lettuce seeds to test for toxicity in soil or water samples. Contaminants in the soil or water can prevent seeds from germinating (sprouting) or slow down root growth. Image: A lettuce seed bioassay showing longer roots in seeds that sprouted in distilled water (DW) compared to shorter roots in seeds exposed to different concentrations of ethyl acetate, a chemical that negatively affects growth. From Waqas et al. 2013, CC BY How to use this method:
Basic info about this method:
A particular variety of lettuce called “Buttercrunch” (Latin species name Lactuca sativa) is the standard variety typically used in bioassays and recommended by the US EPA. Duckweed bioassay for waterDuckweeds are tiny floating plants that live in freshwater ponds, lakes, and wetlands. They grow quickly by adding leaf-like fronds. The bioassay compares growth rates by counting the number of new fronds over time. Image: Flowering duckweed, rjp, CC BY SA How to use this method: The Environmental Inquiry page is again a great resource. On the duckweed bioassay page, you’ll find links for guidance on culturing/keeping duckweed, instructions for performing the bioassay, and guidance for analyzing your results.
Not-quite-DIY and commercial bioassay methodsBioluminescence inhibition assayThe “bioluminescence inhibition assay” is a widely-used and standardized method that uses bioluminescent (glowing) marine bacteria to indicate toxicity of environmental samples, including soil, sediment, and water. Pollutants in the sample interfere with the bacteria’s functioning, and that reduces (inhibits) the amount of visible light they produce. The change in their light output is measured and correlated with toxicity levels. In general, the more polluted the sample, the dimmer the bacteria get. The bacteria most commonly used is Aliivibrio fischeri (a.k.a Vibrio fischeri), which is widely found in oceans around the world. Image: A Hawaiian bobtail squid whose glowing skin comes from bioluminescent marine bacteria. The bioluminescence inhibition assay uses the bacteria, not the squid. Margaret McFall-Ngai, CC BY How to use this method: A portable commercial unit with all the equipment needed from the Microtox company costs about $10k USD. Here’s a rapid test kit from another company for $160 USD.
BUT! Is it possible to break this method down into separate components and make at least some of the parts more accessible? Here’s a wiki page for some ideas and questions: [link coming soon]
Uses for bioassays
Limitations
Questions[questions:bioassay] Research notes[notes:bioassay] Wikis[wikis:bioassay] Activities[activities:bioassay] Further reading and resourcesGuides and protocols
Published articles
|
Revert | |
| 4 | bhamster |
August 12, 2021 15:40
| over 3 years ago
Lead image: Sprouting lettuce seeds, Rasbak, CC BY SA What’s a bioassay and how does it work?A bioassay is a method that uses plants, animals, or other living things to measure the harmful effects of environmental pollution. This method works by exposing living things to different environmental samples, like soil or water, that vary in how polluted they are. Polluting chemicals in soil or water can affect how that living thing grows or functions. For example, contaminated soil can stunt a plant’s growth (see the image below) or prevent plant seeds from sprouting. So, measuring and comparing growth in living things exposed to different environmental samples can indicate the relative toxicity of the sample. You can find a good introduction to bioassays with a short list of environmental monitoring studies that have used bioassays at the Environmental Inquiry page from Cornell University.
Please help these resources grow (pun very intended) by editing this page or adding and answering questions!
You can also follow along and get updates on new resources by subscribing to the `bioassay` tag DIY bioassay methodsLettuce seed bioassay for soil or waterThis method uses common lettuce seeds to test for toxicity in soil or water samples. Contaminants in the soil or water can prevent seeds from germinating (sprouting) or slow down root growth. Image: A lettuce seed bioassay showing longer roots in seeds that sprouted in distilled water (DW) compared to shorter roots in seeds exposed to different concentrations of ethyl acetate, a chemical that negatively affects growth. From Waqas et al. 2013, CC BY How to use this method:
Basic info about this method:
A particular variety of lettuce called “Buttercrunch” (Latin species name Lactuca sativa) is the standard variety typically used in bioassays and recommended by the US EPA. Duckweed bioassay for waterDuckweeds are tiny floating plants that live in freshwater ponds, lakes, and wetlands. They grow quickly by adding leaf-like fronds. The bioassay compares growth rates by counting the number of new fronds over time. Image: Flowering duckweed, rjp, CC BY SA How to use this method: The Environmental Inquiry page is again a great resource. On the duckweed bioassay page, you’ll find links for guidance on culturing/keeping duckweed, instructions for performing the bioassay, and guidance for analyzing your results.
Not-quite-DIY and commercial bioassay methodsBioluminescence inhibition assayThe “bioluminescence inhibition assay” is a widely-used and standardized method that uses bioluminescent (glowing) marine bacteria to indicate toxicity of environmental samples, including soil, sediment, and water. Pollutants in the sample interfere with the bacteria’s functioning, and that reduces (inhibits) the amount of visible light they produce. The change in their light output is measured and correlated with toxicity levels. In general, the more polluted the sample, the dimmer the bacteria get. The bacteria most commonly used is Aliivibrio fischeri (a.k.a Vibrio fischeri), which is widely found in oceans around the world. Image: A Hawaiian bobtail squid whose glowing skin comes from bioluminescent marine bacteria. The bioluminescence inhibition assay uses the bacteria, not the squid. Margaret McFall-Ngai, CC BY How to use this method: A portable commercial unit with all the equipment needed from the Microtox company costs about $10k USD. Here’s a rapid test kit from another company for $160 USD.
BUT! Is it possible to break this method down into separate components and make at least some of the parts more accessible? Here’s a wiki page for some ideas and questions: [link coming soon]
Uses for bioassays
Limitations
Questions[questions:bioassay] Research notes[notes:bioassay] Wikis[wikis:bioassay] Activities[activities:bioassay] Further reading and resourcesGuides and protocols
Published articles
|
Revert | |
| 3 | alejobonifacio |
August 11, 2021 12:57
| over 3 years ago
Lead image: Sprouting lettuce seeds, Rasbak, CC BY SA What’s a bioassay and how does it work?A bioassay is a method that uses plants, animals, or other living things to measure the harmful effects of environmental pollution. This method works by exposing living things to different environmental samples, like soil or water, that vary in how polluted they are. Polluting chemicals in soil or water can affect how that living thing grows or functions. For example, contaminated soil can stunt a plant’s growth (see the image below) or prevent plant seeds from sprouting. So, measuring and comparing growth in living things exposed to different environmental samples can indicate the relative toxicity of the sample. You can find a good introduction to bioassays with a short list of environmental monitoring studies that have used bioassays at the Environmental Inquiry page from Cornell University.
Please help these resources grow (pun very intended) by editing this page or adding and answering questions!
You can also follow along and get updates on new resources by subscribing to the `bioassay` tag DIY bioassay methodsLettuce seed bioassay for soil or waterThis method uses common lettuce seeds to test for toxicity in soil or water samples. Contaminants in the soil or water can prevent seeds from germinating (sprouting) or slow down root growth. Image: A lettuce seed bioassay showing longer roots in seeds that sprouted in distilled water (DW) compared to shorter roots in seeds exposed to different concentrations of ethyl acetate, a chemical that negatively affects growth. From Waqas et al. 2013, CC BY How to use this method:
Basic info about this method:
A particular variety of lettuce called “Buttercrunch” (Latin species name Lactuca sativa) is the standard variety typically used in bioassays and recommended by the US EPA. Duckweed bioassay for waterDuckweeds are tiny floating plants that live in freshwater ponds, lakes, and wetlands. They grow quickly by adding leaf-like fronds. The bioassay compares growth rates by counting the number of new fronds over time. Image: Flowering duckweed, rjp, CC BY SA How to use this method: The Environmental Inquiry page is again a great resource. On the duckweed bioassay page, you’ll find links for guidance on culturing/keeping duckweed, instructions for performing the bioassay, and guidance for analyzing your results.
Not-quite-DIY and commercial bioassay methodsBioluminescence inhibition assayThe “bioluminescence inhibition assay” is a widely-used and standardized method that uses bioluminescent (glowing) marine bacteria to indicate toxicity of environmental samples, including soil, sediment, and water. Pollutants in the sample interfere with the bacteria’s functioning, and that reduces (inhibits) the amount of visible light they produce. The change in their light output is measured and correlated with toxicity levels. In general, the more polluted the sample, the dimmer the bacteria get. The bacteria most commonly used is Aliivibrio fischeri (a.k.a Vibrio fischeri), which is widely found in oceans around the world. Image: A Hawaiian bobtail squid whose glowing skin comes from bioluminescent marine bacteria. The bioluminescence inhibition assay uses the bacteria, not the squid. Margaret McFall-Ngai, CC BY How to use this method: A portable commercial unit with all the equipment needed from the Microtox company costs about $10k USD. Here’s a rapid test kit from another company for $160 USD.
BUT! Is it possible to break this method down into separate components and make at least some of the parts more accessible? Here’s a wiki page for some ideas and questions: [link coming soon]
Uses for bioassays
Limitations
Questions[questions:bioassay] Research notes[notes:bioassay] Wikis[wikis:bioassay] Activities[activities:bioassay]
Further reading and resourcesGuides and protocols
Published articles
|
Revert | |
| 2 | laurel_mire |
June 30, 2021 22:31
| over 3 years ago
Lead image: Sprouting lettuce seeds, Rasbak, CC BY SA What’s a bioassay and how does it work?A bioassay is a method that uses plants, animals, or other living things to measure the harmful effects of environmental pollution. This method works by exposing living things to different environmental samples, like soil or water, that vary in how polluted they are. Polluting chemicals in soil or water can affect how that living thing grows or functions. For example, contaminated soil can stunt a plant’s growth (see the image below) or prevent plant seeds from sprouting. So, measuring and comparing growth in living things exposed to different environmental samples can indicate the relative toxicity of the sample. You can find a good introduction to bioassays with a short list of environmental monitoring studies that have used bioassays at the Environmental Inquiry page from Cornell University.
Please help these resources grow (pun very intended) by editing this page or adding and answering questions!
You can also follow along and get updates on new resources by subscribing to the `bioassay` tag DIY bioassay methodsLettuce seed bioassay for soil or waterThis method uses common lettuce seeds to test for toxicity in soil or water samples. Contaminants in the soil or water can prevent seeds from germinating (sprouting) or slow down root growth. Image: A lettuce seed bioassay showing longer roots in seeds that sprouted in distilled water (DW) compared to shorter roots in seeds exposed to different concentrations of ethyl acetate, a chemical that negatively affects growth. From Waqas et al. 2013, CC BY How to use this method:
Basic info about this method:
A particular variety of lettuce called “Buttercrunch” (Latin species name Lactuca sativa) is the standard variety typically used in bioassays and recommended by the US EPA. Duckweed bioassay for waterDuckweeds are tiny floating plants that live in freshwater ponds, lakes, and wetlands. They grow quickly by adding leaf-like fronds. The bioassay compares growth rates by counting the number of new fronds over time. Image: Flowering duckweed, rjp, CC BY SA How to use this method: The Environmental Inquiry page is again a great resource. On the duckweed bioassay page, you’ll find links for guidance on culturing/keeping duckweed, instructions for performing the bioassay, and guidance for analyzing your results.
Not-quite-DIY and commercial bioassay methodsBioluminescence inhibition assayThe “bioluminescence inhibition assay” is a widely-used and standardized method that uses bioluminescent (glowing) marine bacteria to indicate toxicity of environmental samples, including soil, sediment, and water. Pollutants in the sample interfere with the bacteria’s functioning, and that reduces (inhibits) the amount of visible light they produce. The change in their light output is measured and correlated with toxicity levels. In general, the more polluted the sample, the dimmer the bacteria get. The bacteria most commonly used is Aliivibrio fischeri (a.k.a Vibrio fischeri), which is widely found in oceans around the world. Image: A Hawaiian bobtail squid whose glowing skin comes from bioluminescent marine bacteria. The bioluminescence inhibition assay uses the bacteria, not the squid. Margaret McFall-Ngai, CC BY How to use this method: A portable commercial unit with all the equipment needed from the Microtox company costs about $10k USD. Here’s a rapid test kit from another company for $160 USD.
BUT! Is it possible to break this method down into separate components and make at least some of the parts more accessible? Here’s a wiki page for some ideas and questions: [link coming soon]
Uses for bioassays
Limitations
Questions[questions:bioassay] Research notes[notes:bioassay] Wikis[wikis:bioassay] Activities[activities:bioassay]
Further reading and resourcesGuides and protocols
Published articles
|
Revert | |
| 1 | alejobonifacio |
June 01, 2021 14:47
| over 3 years ago
Lead image: Sprouting lettuce seeds, Rasbak, CC BY SA What’s a bioassay and how does it work?A bioassay is a method that uses plants, animals, or other living things to measure the harmful effects of environmental pollution. This method works by exposing living things to different environmental samples, like soil or water, that vary in how polluted they are. Polluting chemicals in soil or water can affect how that living thing grows or functions. For example, contaminated soil can stunt a plant’s growth (see the image below) or prevent plant seeds from sprouting. So, measuring and comparing growth in living things exposed to different environmental samples can indicate the relative toxicity of the sample. You can find a good introduction to bioassays with a short list of environmental monitoring studies that have used bioassays at the Environmental Inquiry page from Cornell University.
Please help these resources grow (pun very intended) by editing this page or adding and answering questions!
You can also follow along and get updates on new resources by subscribing to the `bioassay` tag DIY bioassay methodsLettuce seed bioassay for soil or waterThis method uses common lettuce seeds to test for toxicity in soil or water samples. Contaminants in the soil or water can prevent seeds from germinating (sprouting) or slow down root growth. Image: A lettuce seed bioassay showing longer roots in seeds that sprouted in distilled water (DW) compared to shorter roots in seeds exposed to different concentrations of ethyl acetate, a chemical that negatively affects growth. From Waqas et al. 2013, CC BY How to use this method:
Basic info about this method:
A particular variety of lettuce called “Buttercrunch” (Latin species name Lactuca sativa) is the standard variety typically used in bioassays and recommended by the US EPA. Duckweed bioassay for waterDuckweeds are tiny floating plants that live in freshwater ponds, lakes, and wetlands. They grow quickly by adding leaf-like fronds. The bioassay compares growth rates by counting the number of new fronds over time. Image: Flowering duckweed, rjp, CC BY SA How to use this method: The Environmental Inquiry page is again a great resource. On the duckweed bioassay page, you’ll find links for guidance on culturing/keeping duckweed, instructions for performing the bioassay, and guidance for analyzing your results.
Not-quite-DIY and commercial bioassay methodsBioluminescence inhibition assayThe “bioluminescence inhibition assay” is a widely-used and standardized method that uses bioluminescent (glowing) marine bacteria to indicate toxicity of environmental samples, including soil, sediment, and water. Pollutants in the sample interfere with the bacteria’s functioning, and that reduces (inhibits) the amount of visible light they produce. The change in their light output is measured and correlated with toxicity levels. In general, the more polluted the sample, the dimmer the bacteria get. The bacteria most commonly used is Aliivibrio fischeri (a.k.a Vibrio fischeri), which is widely found in oceans around the world. Image: A Hawaiian bobtail squid whose glowing skin comes from bioluminescent marine bacteria. The bioluminescence inhibition assay uses the bacteria, not the squid. Margaret McFall-Ngai, CC BY How to use this method: A portable commercial unit with all the equipment needed from the Microtox company costs about $10k USD. Here’s a rapid test kit from another company for $160 USD.
BUT! Is it possible to break this method down into separate components and make at least some of the parts more accessible? Here’s a wiki page for some ideas and questions: [link coming soon]
Uses for bioassays
Limitations
Questions[questions:bioassay] Research notes[notes:bioassay] Activities[activities:bioassay]
Further reading and resourcesGuides and protocols
Published articles
|
Revert | |
| 0 | bhamster |
February 25, 2021 22:25
| almost 4 years ago
Lead image: Sprouting lettuce seeds, Rasbak, CC BY SA What’s a bioassay and how does it work?A bioassay is a method that uses plants, animals, or other living things to measure the harmful effects of environmental pollution. This method works by exposing living things to different environmental samples, like soil or water, that vary in how polluted they are. Polluting chemicals in soil or water can affect how that living thing grows or functions. For example, contaminated soil can stunt a plant’s growth (see the image below) or prevent plant seeds from sprouting. So, measuring and comparing growth in living things exposed to different environmental samples can indicate the relative toxicity of the sample. You can find a good introduction to bioassays with a short list of environmental monitoring studies that have used bioassays at the Environmental Inquiry page from Cornell University.
Please help these resources grow (pun very intended) by editing this page or adding and answering questions!
You can also follow along and get updates on new resources by subscribing to the `bioassay` tag DIY bioassay methodsLettuce seed bioassay for soil or waterThis method uses common lettuce seeds to test for toxicity in soil or water samples. Contaminants in the soil or water can prevent seeds from germinating (sprouting) or slow down root growth. Image: A lettuce seed bioassay showing longer roots in seeds that sprouted in distilled water (DW) compared to shorter roots in seeds exposed to different concentrations of ethyl acetate, a chemical that negatively affects growth. From Waqas et al. 2013, CC BY How to use this method:
Basic info about this method:
A particular variety of lettuce called “Buttercrunch” (Latin species name Lactuca sativa) is the standard variety typically used in bioassays and recommended by the US EPA. Duckweed bioassay for waterDuckweeds are tiny floating plants that live in freshwater ponds, lakes, and wetlands. They grow quickly by adding leaf-like fronds. The bioassay compares growth rates by counting the number of new fronds over time. Image: Flowering duckweed, rjp, CC BY SA How to use this method: The Environmental Inquiry page is again a great resource. On the duckweed bioassay page, you’ll find links for guidance on culturing/keeping duckweed, instructions for performing the bioassay, and guidance for analyzing your results.
Not-quite-DIY and commercial bioassay methodsBioluminescence inhibition assayThe “bioluminescence inhibition assay” is a widely-used and standardized method that uses bioluminescent (glowing) marine bacteria to indicate toxicity of environmental samples, including soil, sediment, and water. Pollutants in the sample interfere with the bacteria’s functioning, and that reduces (inhibits) the amount of visible light they produce. The change in their light output is measured and correlated with toxicity levels. In general, the more polluted the sample, the dimmer the bacteria get. The bacteria most commonly used is Aliivibrio fischeri (a.k.a Vibrio fischeri), which is widely found in oceans around the world. Image: A Hawaiian bobtail squid whose glowing skin comes from bioluminescent marine bacteria. The bioluminescence inhibition assay uses the bacteria, not the squid. Margaret McFall-Ngai, CC BY How to use this method: A portable commercial unit with all the equipment needed from the Microtox company costs about $10k USD. Here’s a rapid test kit from another company for $160 USD.
BUT! Is it possible to break this method down into separate components and make at least some of the parts more accessible? Here’s a wiki page for some ideas and questions: [link coming soon]
Uses for bioassays
Limitations
Questions[questions:bioassay] Research notes[notes:bioassay] Activities[activities:bioassay]
Further reading and resourcesGuides and protocols
Published articles
|
Revert |
