ISO 11348-3:2007/Amd 1:2018

Overview

ISO 11348-3:2007/Amd 1:2018 is an internationally recognized standard specifying a method for assessing water quality by measuring the inhibitory effect of water samples on the bioluminescence of Vibrio fischeri. This amendment updates Part 3 of the standard, which utilizes a method involving freeze-dried bacteria. The test is a reliable biological tool to evaluate water toxicity, making it essential for environmental monitoring and pollution control.

Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 147 on Water Quality, this standard provides standardized procedures that ensure consistency and reproducibility, aiding laboratories worldwide in assessing inhibitory effects on bacterial luminescence caused by contaminants.

Key Topics

• Luminescent Bacteria Test: Measures the reduction in light emission from Vibrio fischeri caused by toxic substances in water samples.
• Freeze-Dried Bacteria Method: Utilizes stabilized freeze-dried bacteria, allowing easier handling, storage, and consistent test results.
• Inhibitory Effect Measurement: Quantifies the decrease in bacterial bioluminescence as an indicator of water toxicity.
• Precision Requirements: Amendment 1 specifies stricter precision limits, particularly that the deviation in key test sample dilutions used to determine the LID value should not exceed 3 percentage points.
• Standardized Testing Protocol: Ensures reliable inter-laboratory comparability by adhering to established preparation and measurement procedures.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Supports evaluation of the toxic effects of effluents, surface waters, and groundwater.

Applications

• Water Quality Monitoring: Widely used by environmental agencies and laboratories to detect toxic substances in natural and treated water sources.
• Wastewater Treatment Evaluation: Assesses the effectiveness of treatment processes in reducing toxicity before water discharge.
• Pollution Control: Identifies contamination by industrial chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants affecting aquatic life.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assists industries and municipalities to comply with water quality legislation and environmental regulations.
• Research and Development: Serves as a bioassay in ecotoxicological studies and toxic substances screening.
• Public Health Protection: Helps detect hazardous contaminants that may pose risks to ecosystems and human health.

Related Standards

• ISO 11348 Series: Includes multiple parts focusing on different bacterial test methods for water toxicity analysis.
• ISO/TC 147 Standards: Encompasses a wide range of water quality testing methods, including chemical and biological assessments.
• ISO 5667 Series: Guidelines for water sampling, critical to collecting representative samples for luminescent bacteria tests.
• ISO/IEC Directives: Provide editorial and procedural rules ensuring uniformity in international standard development.
• ISO 17025: Specifies general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories conducting such biological assays.

The ISO 11348-3:2007/Amd 1:2018 standard is an essential resource for professionals engaged in water quality testing and environmental toxicology. Its emphasis on freeze-dried luminescent bacteria methodology ensures practical utility across diverse settings-facilitating accurate detection of toxic effects to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health. For further details or updates, visit the official ISO website.