Journal of Pollution Effects & Control
Open Access
ISSN: 2375-4397
ISSN: 2375-4397
Nadezhda Kudryasheva
Institute of Biophysics SB RAS, Russia
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Pollut Eff Cont
Toxicity is defined as suppression of physiological functions of organisms. A variety of organisms are used as bioassays to monitor pollutant toxicity. Problems and perspectives of bioassay application for toxicity monitoring are discussed. Bioluminescent assays based on marine bacteria and their enzymes are of special attention; they are convenient tools to study mechanisms of toxic effects on cellular and biochemical levels. Advantages of bioluminescent assays for monitoring both integral and oxidative toxicities in complex solutions of pollutants and detoxifying agents are demonstrated. Bioluminescent bacteria were found to be sensitive to radionuclides; adaptive and toxic responses of the bacteria to radiation exposure are discussed. Effects of toxic compounds are multiple, they are integrated (by a non-additive way) in changing of bioluminescent intensity as a physiological function. Classification of effects of toxic compounds on bioluminescent assay systems is suggested based on broad investigations of model toxicants (organic dyes, oxidizers, halogenated molecules, metal salts, stable and radioactive). Seven mechanisms of physical, chemical, biochemical and cellular types are considered. Mechanisms of detoxification of pollutant solutions by water-soluble humic substances (HSs), natural detoxifying agents are discussed. Antioxidant properties of HS are considered in detail. The detoxifying effects of HS were shown to be complex and regarded as �external� (binding and redox processes in solutions outside the organisms) and/or �internal� organismal processes. The HS can stimulate an�internal� protective response of bacterial cells as a result of changes of rates of intracellular biochemical reactions and stabilization of mucous layers outside the cellwalls.
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