Influence of combined chemicals on prodigiosin Synthesis of Serratia marcescens

The influences of pesticides (Imugan, Diuron, 2,4-D. Simazin, Benodanil, E 600, Parathion, Eserin, Aldrin), heavy metals (ZnCl₂, CdCl₂, CuSO₄, HgCl₂), and mixtures of these two chemical groups on the rate of prodigiosin synthesized by Serratia marcescens in liquid medium have been studied. Prodigiosin synthesis showed a high sensitivity to toxicants. Therefore, a method is suggested using prodigiosin synthesis of S. marcescens for toxicity testing. The amount of prodigiosin and the inhibition zones in cup plate assays were tested in addition. In mixture, various effects depending on the toxin concentrations, used in the test, could be found: The activation of prodigiosin synthesis in submerged cultures by 0.3 mg Benodanil/L was more than 100% in the presence of Imugan or Diuron, and 256% in the presence of 1.5 mg HgCl₂/L.