TOXICITY OF CADMIUM SPECIES ON LUMINESCENT BACTERIA

The toxicity of cadmium compounds against luminescent bacteria has bee n measured using the Microtox(R) toxicity bioassay and has been relate d to the cadmium species. Since the Microtox(R) test is carried out in NaCl (2%) and cadmium forms stable chloro complexes, NaNO3 and NaClO4 have been tested successfully as alternative to sodium chloride to pr ovide the adequate osmotic protection of the bacteria. The influence o f medium and ionic strength as wed as different exposure times on EC(5 0) values has been evaluated.