Ecotoxicology tests based on the respiratory chain activity of beef heart mitochondrial particles

Abstract

An in vitro ecotoxicological testing method based on activity of the respiratory system from beef heart mitochondria has been newly introduced in Vietnam. Prepared submitochondrial particles (SMP) from beef heart showed stable enzymatic activities and verified as tools for toxicity testing. Sensitivity of the test to various tested toxicants was similar to that published. Whithin tested samples, toxicity test using SMP gave similar data as that arrived from Microtox method, and SMPs seem to be more sensitive to organic toxicants than Daphnia. Taking several advantages such as fast testing performance (within 2h), low cost and high repeatability, it is suggested that SMP method can be enrolled into the conventional methods for ecotoxicological testing.