Optical fiber biosensor for the determination of low biochemical oxygen demand.

An optical fiber biosensor was developed for the evaluation of low Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) values in river waters. Artificial wastewater (AWW) solution was employed as standards for the calibration of the BOD sensor. The response time of the sensor was 15 min, and the optimal BOD response was observed at 30 degrees C, pH 7.0. A linear relationship was obtained between the output voltage and BOD5 values, and the range of determination was 1-10 mg l(-1) BOD. The sensor response was almost not influenced by chloride ion up to 1000 mg l(-1), and also not affected by heavy metal ions (Fe3+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Cr3+, Zn2+). The BOD of river waters was estimated by using the optical fiber biosensor, and good correlation between the sensor and BOD5 test was obtained (r2 = 0.971).