AZUR Environmental

Genotoxicity may also be tested with a Mutatox test (Azur Environmental Ltd., Berkshire, England), using a dark mutant strain of bioluminescent bacterium V. fischeri [54]. DNA-damaging substances are recognized by measuring the ability of a test sample to restore the luminescent state in the bacterial cells. The authors pointed to the sensitivity of the test to chemicals that damage DNA, bind DNA, or inhibit DNA synthesis. 

SDI (1996). Mutatox Direct Test Protocol, Strategic Diagnostics Inc. (formerly Azur Environmental), Newark, DE. 

Bioluminescent bacteria are exceptionally sensitive, and even trace quantities of toxins in water reduce the amount of light they emit. In 1979, this phenomenon was used to assess the degree of pollution in water samples, the intensity of the bioluminescent light of these bacteria being measured.34 A year later, the American company AZUR Environmental (formerly Microbics Corporation) manufactured the first specialist equipment—Microtox —for carrying out analyses of environmental samples. 

Micobics (1995) Microbics Mutatox , Manual Genotoxicity Test System. Azur Environmental, UK. 

Vibrio fischeri (trade name Microtox ). The V.fischeri used in the Microtox tests during this study were supplied as freeze-dried batches of reagent by Azur Environmental (SDI), Hook, Hampshire, UK. These were stored at < 4°C prior... 

Testkits Microtox (Azur Environmental/SDI, formerly Microbics Corporation, USA), LUMIStox (Dr Lange, Germany), Biotox (Aboatox, Finland), ToxAlert (Merck, Germany). 

Testkits Mutatox (Azur Environmental, formerly Microbics Corporation, USA). 

We have surveyed some of these lists, prepared by the environmental inspection agency in the Pro-vence-Alpes-Cdte d Azur Region (in the south of France), which are available on the agency s website. This study shows that inspectors do not systematically demand compliance with the legislation. Most of the time, they indicate the issues that must be addressed within a certain timescale (usually three weeks). After the three-week deadline, the inspector updates the list with the following information either the plant is compliant, or a formal notice is needed, or additional environmental measures are necessary. Next, they prepare their report (the lettre de conclusion), which summarizes the visit, the actions that were taken within the three weeks, or those which are planned and the time allowed to apply them. The same document also records any cases of previous non-compliance, which makes it possible to compare situations and see if the operator is making an effort to be compliant. The lettre de conclusion is send to the operator and can form the basis for a future formal notice. 

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