The Microtox system from SDIX will augment and increase the throughput of ORCA’s existing toxicity testing capabilities, addressing the large scale testing needs associated with the Gulf Oil Spill. Microtox is a biosensor-based measurement system for toxicity which provides an effective method to monitor a wide range of potentially toxic contaminations of water supplies and the environment. The Microtox Test System is based on a sophisticated technology using luminescent bacteria known as vibrio fischeri which produce light as a by-product of normal metabolism. Any disturbance of normal metabolism, such as that which is caused by even very low levels of a broad range of toxic compounds, results in a decreased rate of light emission. The higher the level of toxicity, the greater is the inhibition of light production.

ORCA is already using the Microtox system and collaborating with SDIX for rapid toxicity detection in oysters and sediments in and along the Gulf of Mexico and Florida inland waterways. Detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in shell fish (like oysters) is critical to help determine the toxic impact of oil contamination on both marine life and the subsequent food supply. PAHs are the most common carcinogenic components of crude oil.

Edith Widder, ORCA’s CEO, president and senior scientist, said: “The SDIX Microtox Solid-Phase Bioassay is already the cornerstone of our Fast Assessment of Sediment Toxicity programme. It provides us with a fast, accurate assessment of the broad-spectrum toxicity of sediment samples and is an essential tool to help ORCA optimize its efforts to effectively respond to the devastating oil spill in the Gulf.”