MEASURING EFFECT OF AIR POLLUTANTS ON BACTERIAL LUMINESCENCE - A SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE

A simple procedure is described for measuring luminescence loss of Photobacterium cells in the presence of polluted atmospheres. It is applicable for studies in the laboratory or on ambient air. With this bioassay a dose-response was obtained for products formed in the irradiation of cis-2-butene and NO2. The photochemical products were characterized by oxidant measurements. In laboratory tests the bioassay responded linearily to 15 min exposures of photochemical products when the oxidant levels were in the range of 0.2-0.45 μ 1 1. Tests conducted in ambient air indicated the responses to photochemical pollutants when the oxidant concentration was as low as 0.05 μ 1 1. This bioassay can therefore be used to measure pollutant levels at concentrations associated with eye irritation and vegetation damage. © 1969.