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A Brine Shrimp Bioassay for Measuring Toxicity and Remediation of Chemicals

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Marya Lieberman

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556

J. Chem. Educ., 1999, 76 (12), p 1689

DOI: 10.1021/ed076p1689

Publication Date (Web): December 1, 1999

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

A bioassay using Artemia franciscana (brine shrimp) was adapted to measure the toxicity of household chemicals. One project is described in which students collect dose-response curves for seven commercial flea-killing products. Next, groups of students researched the insecticidal ingredients of the flea products. On the basis of the structures of the active ingredients, they chose remediation methods to make the flea product less toxic to brine shrimp; procedures included copper-catalyzed hydrolysis, adsorption onto activated charcoal, bleach treatment, and photodegradation. No special equipment or supplies are necessary for the bioassay other than the brine shrimp eggs, which can be obtained at any aquarium store.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Laboratory Instruction

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Drugs / Pharmaceuticals

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