Biosensors for environmental control

Abstract

Various kinds of biosensors were developed for the environmental control. Microbial sensor consisting immobilized yeasts and oxygen probe has been applied to estimation of 5-day BOD. The response time of BOD sensor was less than 20 min and the minimum measurable BOD was 3 mg. 1-1, Amperometric microbial sensor for ammonia was constructed with immobilized nitrifying bacteria and an oxygen probe. The minimum measurable concentration was 0.1 mg 1-1. The output of the sensor was almost constant for more than 10 days and 200 assays. A sensor consisting of the aerobic recombinant-deficient bacteria and the oxygen electrode could be applied to the preliminary screening of chemical mutagens and carcinogens. Preliminary screening of mutagens was possible within a hour. In addition, other biosensors for nitrite, sulfite ion and methane gas were described. © 1987 IUPAC