Tubifex tubifex Müll.--photosensitive organism

The worm Tubifex tubifex Müll. (Tubificideae, Oligochaeta) is a suitable organism for the research of the biological effect of various pollutants. This pilot study deals with the responds of the organism to the treatments of two photosensitizers (bengal rose B, quinidine) and UVA radiation. The activity of the photosensitizers was evaluated by the comparison of the surfaces of tested worms and dark controls. The results showed that T. tubifex Müll. could be a suitable organism for the studies of phototoxicity. This species demonstrated relatively strong sensitivity to the effect of the selected photodynamically active substances.