Chromatic Toxicity Bioassay of Water through Bacterial Ferricyanide Reduction

Abstract Water quality assessment demands a precise anatomization of specimens that comply with acclaimed water purity standards. Today, the growing number of toxicants and their synergistic consequences make it necessary to develop general toxicity assays able to examine and determine water pollution. Contemporary general toxicity methods hinder specimen analysis due to their prolonged operation protocols. Also, the equipment involved is very expensive that not everyone can afford it. In an effort to resolve these drawbacks, a quick and cost effective toxicity bioassay based on chromatic changes related to bacterial ferricyanide reduction is introduced here. E.coli cells (Model Bacteria) were stably confined on four supports: Cellulose-based Paper Discs, Silica 60, Polystyrene, and Acrylic Beads, which remained useful for a long period at -20ºC. Copper was used as a model toxic agent to perform Bioassay Assessment. Chromatic changes related to bacterial ferricyanide reduction were determined by visual inspection. Cellulose Paper Discs, Polystyrene, and Acrylic beads showed good results and better viability, while Silica 60 proved itself as a weak support and resulted in poor viability.