Sediment toxicity measured using Vibrio fischeri as related to the concentrations of organic (PCBs, PAHs) and inorganic (metals, sulphur) pollutants

Sediments of the inner canals of the city of Venice (Italy) contain heavy metals and organic contaminants. In order to assess the toxicity of these compounds the Microtox® test was applied to the whole sediment (solid-phase test) and to organic extracts containing separated classes of compounds (i. e. PCBs and PAHs). This study showed that results of solid-phase tests may be correctly interpreted only if supported by results obtained with tests on extracts, An efficient of sulfur and Fe was measured with solid-phase tests of sediments, while an EC50 value for PAHs was detected in tests with organic extracts. The sediment concentrations of heavy metals and PCBs resulted lower than the sensitivity limits of Microtox® test for these compounds.