[Photobacterium phosphoreum assay on the toxicity of soil contaminated by heavy metals]

The toxicity of soil artificially contaminated by heavy metals was assessed with Photobacterium phosphoreum. The results showed that the duration of optimum balance was 24 hours, and that of optimum extraction was 2 hours. Two leaching methods were compared, and data showed that optimum leaching solvent was hydrocarbon chloride with a concentration of 0.1 mol.L-1 HCL. Dose-response curve indicated that the content of heavy metals was positively related with the toxicity of soil. The general detection limit given by EC50 of soil contaminated by single heavy metal were Cd 26.12 mg.kg-1, Cu 291.48 mg.kg-1, Zn 72.46 mg.kg-1 and Pb 2174.93 mg.kg-1. This study also indicated the toxicity of complex heavy metals pollution in soil was stronger than that of individual element. The research could provide a theoretic base for the remediation of soil contaminated by heavy metals.