The effect of toxic discharges on ATP content in activated sludge

✍ Scribed by Arretxe, M. ;Heap, J. M. ;Christofi, N.

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1997
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 87 KB
• Volume: 12
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1053-4725
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2256(1997)12:1<23::aid-tox4>3.0.co;2-a

✦ Synopsis

ATP measured by the luciferin-luciferase bioluminescence assay was used to examine the effect of toxic substances on whole microbial communities in activated sludge mixed liquor samples. The response of the microorganisms to toxicants is rapid using ATP reduction as the criterion. The sensitivity of the mixed populations to various toxicant types (e.g., organic material and heavy metals) is lower than when using single species toxicity tests such as the Microtox bioassay. The differences in sensitivity is considered a function of acclimatization, modification of the toxicant by the waste physicochemical environment, and the predominance of less sensitive organisms than those used in the Microtox bioassay (Photobacterium phosphoreum). ATP bioluminescence is, however, considered an important rapid test utilizing natural waste treatment microorganisms in determining the toxicity of wastes discharged to sewer. It can detect whether wastewater will have an effect on the biodegradation capability of the resident population of microrganisms.