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A biosensor for cadmium based on bioconvective patternsAn 'in vitro' method for monitoring cadmium, one of the most lethal bivalent heavy metals, can detect biologically active levels. The effects of cadmium tend to concentrate in protozoa far above natural levels and therein begin transferring through freshwater food chains to animals and humans. In a small sample volume (approximately 5 ml) the method uses the toxic response to the protozoa, Tetrahymena pyriformis, to cadmium. The assay relies on macroscopic bioconvective patterns to measure the toxic response, giving a sensitivity better than 1 micro-g/1 and a toxicity threshold to 7 micro-g/1 for Cd(2+). Cadmium hinders pattern formation in a dose-dependent manner. Arrested organism growth arises from slowed division and mutation to non-dividing classes. Unlike previous efforts, this method can be performed in a shallow flow device and does not require electronic or chemical analyses to monitor toxicity.
Document ID
19910006361
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Noever, David A.
(Universities Space Research Association Huntsville, AL., United States)
Matsos, Helen C.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1990
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.15:103523
NASA-TM-103523
Accession Number
91N15674
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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