Abstract: Gene recombinant luminescent bacteria(E.coli HB101 pUCD607)and Vibrio fischeri were used as the experimental organisms in toxicity test, and luminescence inhibition rate was used as the endpoint. The toxic micropore-plate method, in which Zn²⁺ replaced Hg²⁺ as positive control, was used to study the effects of eight heavy metals on toxicity tests of recombinant luminescent bacteria and Vibrio fischeri. The results showed that Zn²⁺ was of high stability and had the advantages of being soluble, stable and less harmful to people and the environment. Therefore, Zn²⁺ could replace the traditional Hg²⁺ as the positive reference. The toxicity test results (EC₅₀) of the recombinant bioluminescent bacteria were more sensitive than Vibrio fischeri. Under the toxic effects of copper ions, manganese ions, iron ions and cadmium ions, the sensitivity of the recombinant bioluminescent bacteria was significantly higher than that of Vibrio fischeri. The toxicity of ionic liquids to luminescent bacteria was significantly higher than that of organic solvents. So, it is feasible to apply recombinant luminescent bacteria to the toxicity test of chemicals.