Kinetic data recordings with miniaturized growth and luminescence inhibitio
n assays with prokaryotes (Pseudomonas putida and Vibrio fischeri) reveal t
ypical sample and species specific growth and light emission patterns respe
ctively. Growth inhibiting influences, based on toxicokinetic and toxicodyn
amic sample specifities appeared in each growth phase. Agonistic and antago
nistic effects of combinations of heavy metals like Cd2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ and
other compounds were easily recognized after accurate curve discussions. S
ome of the influences that made it more difficult to evaluate toxicological
results only by restriction on EC Values (effective concentrations) were i
nvestigated. The findings may lead to a more comprehensive interpretation o
f toxicological data and a presumption on the composition of complex sample
s in terms of screening investigations. Therefore, the conclusions demonstr
ate the possibilities and limits of kinetic data recordings in chronic and
acute toxicity testing. (C)1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.