Microtox is a brand name for a commercially available bioassay that uses bioluminescent bacteria to detect the toxicity of a sample. The assay is based on the principle that the presence of toxic substances will inhibit the light emission of the bacteria.The Microtox test is often used in environmental monitoring and water quality testing to determine the potential toxicity of water, sediment, and other types of samples. It can detect a wide range of toxicants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds.The test is relatively quick and sensitive, and can provide results within minutes to hours, depending on the sample type and the level of toxicity present. However, it is important to note that the Microtox test does not identify specific toxicants and is only used as a screening tool to detect the presence of toxicity in a sample.
