NEB can measure the acute toxicity of aqueous test samples (e.g. surface waters, sediment pore waters and sediment elutriates) and whole sediment samples to bacteria using the Microtox® Test System. The Microtox® system measures bacterial bioluminescence (Vibrio fischeri) that is a by-product of cellular respiration correlating to organism health. The bioluminescence is measured with a Microtox® 500 Analyzer, a temperature-controlled photometer. Test duration is usually less than one hour.

Microorganisms are also valuable tools in assessing toxicity of contaminants in soil. Respiration bioassays can quickly assess the potential for adverse effects and provide meaningful indices of toxicity.

New England Bioassay uses an automated respirometer to efficiently assess impacts of soil contaminants by measuring Carbon Dioxide production rates. Rate of soil respiration can then be inferred and remediation efforts can be more cost-effectively directed.