Whole cell bioreporter application for rapid detection and evaluation of crude oil spill in seawater caused by Dalian oil tank explosion

► The first paper to report toxicity assessment for Dalian oil spill accident in China 2010 summer. ► Successfully applied oil and toxicity biosensors to a rapid environmental risk assessment for real environmental samples. ► Demonstrate the advantages of biosensors for bioavailability and toxicity detection. ► Link biosensor detection results to the changes of microbial community profiles.