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Reduction of Bioluminescence in Cypridina hilgendorfii by Varying Phosphate Concentrations

CSEF · 2007 Pharmacology/ Toxicology Third Award

Debra C. Chang · Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, Rolling Hills Estate, Los Angeles County

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of varying phosphate concentrations on the bioluminescence from a marine shrimp, Cypridina hilgendorfii (also Vargula hilgendorfii, sea firefly, or Japanese ostracod). This project targets the chemical reaction of luciferin and luciferase, the reactants that produces light. Methods/Materials Dried and powdered Cypridina was introduced in water solution of trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate in 0.005 g/mL, 0.01 g/mL and 0.015 g/mL. The control group was pure distilled water with no phosphate. Two mL of the phosphate solution and 0.05 g of ground Cyrpidina were placed in a cuvette. Four trials were done per concentration for a total of 16 trials. Photographs were taken during this entire procedure in a darkoom using a digital camera at exposures of 8, 10 and 15 seconds. Results Various attempts to accurately quantify the amount of light transmitted, such as using a sensitive light meter, did not yield usable results due to the source¡#s dimness. It became necessary to quantify the emitted light by establishing a standard of brightness scale. The standard was determined by choosing the average brightness from the four untreated cuvettes in the control group. The results were determined by using the number of seconds of exposure needed to reach the light intensity of the standard. Conclusions/Discussion With increasing dosage, the time observed to reach standard brightness increased. Numerical analysis suggests that there is a simple, direct ratio between the amount of light emitted and time elapsed after initial mixing of the solution. A similar relationship appears to exist between dosage and amount of light transmitted. With the significant diminishment of light caused by the sodium phosphate, this study suggests that Cypridina can be used as a bio-indicator for phosphate pollution and possibly water quality in general.

Summary statement

This project examines the effect of phosphate, a common water pollutant, in varying concentrations on the bioluminescence of Cypridina hilgendorfii by targeting the reaction that produces light.

Help received

Thanks to: Dr. Hoffmann, professor at UCI, for answering my questions for my project; Robert Carr and Tracy Drake for allowing me to work at Madrona Marsh; Mr. Fogle, the photography teacher at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, for letting me use the darkroom.

Awards (1)

Competition history

  • CSEF 2007 Pharmacology/ Toxicology · Entry S1507

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