System for measuring bioluminescence flash kinetics

Abstract

A test chamber is disclosed for determining the bioluminescent signatures of planktonic organisms in which a light tight chamber has at least one light port, and preferably two light ports, where photomultiplier tubes are connected to the test chamber for detecting and measuring the flash kinetics of marine organisms. A door is pivotally mounted on the light tight chamber for permitting insertion and withdrawal of an organism sample holder. A vacuum tube is connected to the test chamber and to the sample holder via a passageway such that the organism can be excited by means of drawing off the fluid containing the organism. The bioluminescent characteristics of the organisms in the sample holder can then be detected and measured by means of the photomultiplier tubes. Preferably, a third port is provided on the test chamber where, alternatively, a third multiplier tube may be connected, or one of the two photomultiplier tubes can be connected with a different orientation with respect to the sample holder, or a light tight diaphragm may be placed across the third light port such that chemical irritants may be injected into the sample holder by means of a syringe through the light tight diaphragm without permitting the entry of light into the test chamber. The outputs of the photomultiplier tubes may be used to measure the instantaneous intensity of the bioluminescent flashes of the organisms. The collected data may be recorded to help identify which organisms are responsible for the measured bioluminescence in the surface waters of the worlds oceans.