The recombinant bacteria strain DPD2540, containing a fabA::luxCDABE fusion, was used to detect the toxicity of various chemicals in this study. Membrane damaging agents such as phenol, ethanol, and cerulenin induced a rapid bioluminescent response from this strain. Other toxic agents, such as DNA-damaging or oxidative-damaging chemicals, showed a delayed bioluminescent response in which the maximum peak appeared over 150 min after induction. This strain was also tested for measurement of toxicity in field samples such as wastewater and river water effluents.