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ENDOTOXINS, ALGAE AND 'LIMULUS' AMOEBOCYTE LYSATE TEST IN DRINKING WATER
Citation:
Sykora, J., G. Keleti, R. Roche, D. Volk, AND G. Kay. ENDOTOXINS, ALGAE AND 'LIMULUS' AMOEBOCYTE LYSATE TEST IN DRINKING WATER. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-80/199.
Description:
Field and laboratory studies were conducted to determine the distribution of algae and bacteria, and investigate sources of endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) in drinking water. The field survey was performed on five drinking water systems located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania during the spring and summer of 1978. The highest concentrations of phytoplankton were found in uncovered finished water reservoirs. The major source of 'endotoxic' response as measured by the Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) gelation test was a non-specific reaction caused by algae. This was documented by a highly positive correlation of phytoplankton concentrations occurring in the reservoirs with respective LAL titers. Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyta) was the most common alga, whereas Schizothrix calcicola was the most dominant Cyanobacterium found in the five water systems. LAL gelation with C. vulgaris grown in the laboratory verified the phenomenon observed on samples collected in the field and indicated a non-specific reaction, whereas S. calcicola cultures under identical conditions produced a specific response. Alkali and lysozyme treatments were successful in distinguishing specific and non-specific LAL reactions. These two techniques in conjunction with LAL test are recommended for drinking water quality assessment.