Bioassays used to assess the efficacy of biodegradation

Many variables are involved in bioremediation process. Therefore, all biodegradation processes must undergo by a sequential tracking, in all steps, to identify and certify the efficacy of intended detoxification. The evaluation of effectiveness by bioremediation process of environmental samples has been performed mainly through chemical analysis, neglecting their effects on biological environment. In order to achieve a full evaluation and a consistent efficacy by the bioremediation process in all stages, besides the chemical analyses, bioassays are needed to estimate the real effects of pollutants and their metabolites over the biota. Thus, this chapter brings information about the main bioassays currently used to assess the efficiency of biodegradation/bioremediation applied to environmental contaminants, based on examples, endpoints and protocols.