MOLECULAR-BASED METHODS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ASSESSMENTS OF TOXICOLOGICAL RISKS AND BIOREMEDIATION STRATEGIES

The potential for the use of biochemical and genetic methods in toxico logical risk assessment and in developing bioremediation strategies is expanding rapidly as new methodologies become available. In this pape r we present an overview of some of the methods we feel have the most potential for use in assessment and monitoring in the field. Molecular based biosensors and biomarkers can function as measurable indicators of cellular or biochemical responses to stress. They can function not only in the detection of toxic compounds, but can predict their poten tial risks from a biological and ecological perspective and can thus, be used as early warning systems of the risks associated with specific pollutions. Other biochemical and genetic techniques allow us to dete ct specific microorganisms and their activities in environmental syste ms. With these methods the potential biological activity of a contamin ated site can be assessed and followed during clean-up. Specific examp les from our laboratory demonstrating the use of PCR, in situ hybridiz ation and specific antibodies in environmental microbiology are given. We have also raised a number of questions that still must be answered in order to gain the most from the use of biological tools in environ mental monitoring and remediation assessment. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scienc e B.V.