Toxicity of surface water from Huangpu River to luminous bacteria (Vibrio qinghaiensis SP. Q67) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

• Water samples of Huangpu River inhibited the luminescence of Q67.
• Water samples of Huangpu River increased the lethality and morphological abnormalities of zebrafish embryos.
• The toxicity of water samples in winter 2012–2013 was higher than in summer.
• More attention should be paid to control micropollutants, especially EDCs, and PCBs in the catchment of the Huangpu River.

Degradation of water quality is an emerging problem in many developing countries. Bioassay is an effective approach to monitor quality of water in aquatic environments. Studies have used luminescent bacteria and zebrafish embryos as bioassay tools in monitoring river water quality. In this study, luminous bacteria (Vibrio qinghaiensis sp. Q67) assay and zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo toxicity test were performed to assess the ecotoxicity of surface water from the Huangpu River, China, collected during 2012–2013. River water samples inhibited the luminescence [inhibition rates 0–34.6% (±4.82%)] of Q67 and increased the lethal rates and induced morphological abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. The toxicity to luminous bacteria and zebrafish embryos were higher in winter than in summer months. In addition, samples collected in industrial area, urban sampling sites near drainage outlets, and at the intersection of the tributary that flows into the Huangpu River showed higher toxicity.