F - 72h Growth Inhibition Test

Each ALGALTOXKIT F contains all the materials necessary to perform two growth inhibition tests with the freshwater microalgae Selenastrum capricornutum. Easy to follow instructions and detailed illustrations are provided in the kits for the conduct of rangefinding and definitive tests. The test organisms are included in the kits in «algal beads» from which the microalgae can easily be set free on demand, in less than 30 min, to supply the live biota for the conduct of the assays.

Test criterion

• The ALGALTOXKIT F is a 72h assay based on growth inhibition of the micro-algae, with calculation of the 72hEC50.

Reproducibility

• Algal beads of high quality produced in strictly controlled conditions preclude variability associated with recruitment/ maintenance of live stocks of microalgae in exponential growth phase, in conventional bioassays.
• Highly uniform quality of the test medium is achieved by simple dilution of concentrated solutions of selected chemicals, with deionized water.
• Standardized "long cell" test containers (10 cm path length) constructed of biologically inert materials ensure uniform exposure conditions.
• A Quality Control Test with a reference chemical is described in detail, for accuracy and reproducibility check.

Cost-Effectiveness

• The ALGALTOXKIT makes use of unique disposable "long cell" exposure chambers (10 cm path length), which also serve as measuring cuvettes for direct determination of algal growth by optical density measurements.
• Labour time for testing is significantly reduced by the direct measurement of algal growth in the long cells in a (suited) spectrophotometer.
• Shelf-life of the algal beads is guaranteed for several months when stored properly, reducing test scheduling constraints.

Contents

• Tubes with algal beads, concentrated algal growth and toxicant dilution medium, long cells and holding trays.
• Detailed Standard Operational Procedure brochure, abbreviated Bench Protocol, OD/N regression sheet, data scoring sheets and graphical EC50 calculation sheets.
• Specification sheet with batch number of the algal beads and the media.