Comparison of the use of mussels and semipermeable membrane devices for monitoring and assessment of accumulation of mutagenic pollutants in marine environment in combination with a novel microbiological mutagenicity assay.

A novel microbiological mutagenicity assay, based on bioluminescence of a marine bacterium Vibrio harveyi mutant strain, potentially suitable for monitoring and assessment of mutagenic pollution of marine environment, has been described recently. Here, we tested the use of this assay, in combination with either mussels (Mytilus sp.) or semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs), in assessment of accumulation of mutagens in marine water (samples of Baltic Sea water were tested).

Direct addition of cultures of tester bacteria into semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) as a modified procedure for preliminary detection of mutagenic pollution of the marine environment by use of microbiological mutagenicity assays.

Mutagenic pollution of the natural environment, including marine waters, is a very serious ecological problem. However, since chemical mutagens usually occur and act at low concentrations, their detection and identification is technically difficult, laborious and time-consuming. Therefore, preliminary detection of mutagenic pollution is commonly based on biological mutagenicity assays.

Optimisation of the microbiological mutagenicity assay based on genetically modified Vibrio harveyi strains.

Recently, we have developed a novel assay designed for detection of mutagenic pollution of the marine environment. This assay is based on the use of a series of genetically modified strains (named BB7, BB7M, BB7X and BB7XM) of a marine bacterium Vibrio harveyi. Sensitivity of the V.