Low-cost ecotoxicity testing of environmental samples using microbiotests for potential implementation of the water framework directive

Regulatory agencies in recent decades have paid increasing attention to assessment of toxic contamination of the environment, in particular the aquatic ecosystem. The evaluation of toxic impact has seen the development of various methods, including ecological indicators, bioassays and biosensors using microbial species, invertebrates and plants. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.