EROD is a test used to indicate exposure of fish and wildlife to environmental contaminants. This in-vitro assay uses hepatocytes to indicate the ability of an extract to induce Cytochrome P450 detoxifying enzymes. Fluorescent spectrophotometry is used to measure the kinetic reaction. This assay can be used to determine the presence of many environmental contaminants such as PCBs, PAHs and dioxins. Microtox is an acute toxicity test using fluorescing marine bacteria to determine possible toxicity in a sample.
Toxicity results in a reduction in light emitted by the bacteria.
Samples can be analyzed and results known in less than two hours. It uses the same organisms, fathead minnow and Ceriodaphnia dubia . However, in this test they are required to be less than 24 hours old. It also requires a smaller sample volume of one-liter sample as compared to 20 liters in the standard acute test. The test chambers are smaller and there are fewer renewals.