Toxicity of saline and organic solvent extracts of sediments from Boston Harbor, Massachusetts and the Hudson River-Raritan Bay estuary, New York using the Microtox ® bioassay

摘要: The toxic effects of organic and saline extracts sediment samples collected from 16 sites in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts 17 the Hudson River-Raritan Bay estuary, New York were tested with Microtox® bioassay. This bioassay measures changes light production by bioluminescent marine bacteria exposed to extracts. Organic solvent all 33 sediments showed some degree toxicity, urban areas bays being significantly more than those less urbanized bays. Saline extracts, however, toxic, only seven produced a significant response using recommended method data analyses. proportional decrease bacterial at highest concentration extract reaction mixture compared controls (saline change—SLC) appeared be better indicator toxicity generating EC50 (the amount required reduce bioluminescence 50%) value; (⩾10% reduction bioluminescence). previously extracted also always but not extracted. SLC inversely related concentrations contaminants, principally low- high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). relationship was strongest for Harbor Hudson-Raritan even though PAHs, measure anthropogenic contamination, similar. cause differential is unknown this time, chemical contaminants other chlorinated (CHs) PAHs may contributing observed sediment. Testing provides estimates due sediments.