Other Analyses

 

Algae Identification

 

The lab has the capability to identify freshwater algae in surface water samples.

 

Cyanobacteria Toxins

 

Toxins produced by cyanobacteria are detected quantitatively using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and HPLC-MS-MS analytical methods. Toxins detected include: microcystins (-LR, -RR, -YR, -LA), anatoxin-a, homoanatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin and deoxycylindrospermopsin. Samples from surface waters and drinking waters can be analyzed.

WSLH Algal Toxins Information for Public Drinking Water Suppliers

 

Sediment Bioassays

 

These bioassays determine the chronic effects of exposed organisms to sediment. Organisms used are Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus.

 

Microtox

 

Microtox is an acute toxicity test using luminescent 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.

 

E-Screen and A-Screen Assays

 

The E-screen is a cell-culture based assay in which cells from a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7 cells) are exposed to specific compounds or environmental extracts. Because this cell line proliferates in response to estrogens, compounds that cause proliferation are considered estrogenic. The assay is very sensitive; detectable proliferation occurs in the picoMolar range of estradiol.

The A-screen is an assay using MCF-7 cells that have been transfected with the androgen receptor. These cells will respond to androgens (such as testosterone) by inhibiting proliferation.

click above for larger image

 

Estrogen/Androgen Receptor Yeast Assays

 

The yeast assays are another tool used to assess potential impacts to the endocrine system. Yeast cells are transformed to contain human estrogen and androgen receptors with corresponding reporter genes.  The assays can be used to characterize whether chemicals or samples elicit estrogenic or androgenic responses.