Bacterial biosensors to quantify bioavailable concentration of heavy metals in polluted soils to predict their risk of transfer to the food chain

Abstract

In this work, naturally heavy metal polluted soils as well as Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Hg, Cr spiked soils of different origins and compositions have been tested using a collection of chemical and biological methods to determine heavy metal bioavailability. Among the biological methods, bacterial biosensors (BIOMET) have been used as fast detection tool for the quantification of bioavailable concentrations. In general, results of bacterial and phytotoxicity tests agree rather well with the data from the physico-chemical analysis. The BIOMET test is a simple and quick test, which can be used for an efficient first screening of the toxicity and bioavailability of a substrate. In case of positive results for this test, organisms of other trophic levels must be tested.