Each MARINE ALGALTOXKIT contains all the materials necessary to perform two growth inhibition tests with the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

Easy to follow instructions and detailed illustrations are provided in the kits for the conduct of range-finding and definitive tests. An algal inoculum composed of diatoms in “steady state” condition is included in the kits. This special inoculum can be stored for several months.

The micro-algae needed for the conduct of the assays are obtained by 3 days “preculturing” of the inoculum.

The MARINE ALGALTOXKIT is a 72 h assay based on growth inhibition of the diatom test species, with calculation of the 72 h EC50.

Reproducibility:

• The uniform high quality diatom inoculum provided in the kits is produced in strictly controlled conditions. This precludes the variability associated with year-round maintenance and subculturing of laboratory algal stocks as is often the case in conventional algal test procedures.
• Highly uniform quality of the micro-algae growth medium is achieved by simple dilution with deionized water, of the concentrated solutions of selected mixtures of chemicals included in the kits.
• Standardized “long cell” test containers (10 cm path length) constructed of biologically inert materials ensure uniform exposure conditions.
• A Quality Control Test with a reference chemical is described in detail, for accuracy and reproducibility check.

Cost-effectiveness:

• The MARINE ALGALTOXKIT makes use of unique disposable “long cell” exposure chambers (10 cm path length), which also serve as measuring cuvettes for direct determination of algal growth by optical density measurements.
• Labour time for testing is significantly reduced by the direct measurement of algal growth in the long cells in a (suited) spectrophotometer.
• Shelf-life of the special diatom inoculum is guaranteed for several months when stored properly, reducing test scheduling constraints.