A study on bioluminescence signal measurement methods for monitoring Hazardous and Noxious Substances

Abstract

Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) can cause severe damage to human life, the environment, and property if released from marine industrial facilities, highlighting the urgent need for the development of real-time marine monitoring technologies. In this study, we conducted a bioluminescence inhibition assay based on Aliivibrio fischeri to compare the performance of photomultiplier tube (PMT) based signal measurement methods and data processing techniques. Two signal processing methods were evaluated, comparator-based pulse counting and pulse integration. The pulse counting method exhibited a tendency to overestimate weak signals and showed nonlinearity, indicating limitations for accurate quantitative measurements. In contrast, the pulse integration method demonstrated high resolution and a linear response even under weak signal conditions, showing superior sensitivity, precision, and reproducibility. These findings confirm that the integration method is more suitable for bioluminescence inhibition assay of A. fischeri. Furthermore, the results of this study are expected to contribute significantly to the development of monitoring technologies for toxicity assessment using bioluminescent bacteria against heavy metals and organic pollutants.