A review of environmental applications of bioluminescence measurements

This review of the recent literature on environmental applications of bioluminescence systems will focus on in vivo and in vitro bioluminescence methods that have been utilized to elucidate properties of chemicals, toxic and mutagenic effects, and to estimate biomass. The unifying theme was the applications of bioluminescence to environmental monitoring, remedial investigations, toxicity assessments, and field methods. In addition to standard analytical laboratory methods and emerging field methods used for environmental monitoring, there currently exist a need for rapid and cost-effective methods to determine toxicity and bioavailability of pollutants in contaminated environmental samples. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has continuing interest in innovative technologies for environmental monitoring applications such as those provided by bioluminescence methods.