Microbial sensors for volatile compounds.

A microbial sensor consisting of immobilized microorganisms, a gas permeable membrane, and an oxygen electrode was prepared for the continuous determination of methyl alcohol. Immobilized methyl alcohol utilizing bacteria was employed for the sensor. The response time of the sensor was within 10 min by the steady-state method. A linear relationship was observed between the current decrease and the concentration of methyl alcohol below 22.5 mg l-1. The selectivity of the microbial sensor for methyl alcohol was satisfactory. Microbial sensors using Trichosporon brassicae for ethyl alcohol and acetic acid are also described. A microbial sensor consisting of immobilized nitrifying bacteria (isolated from activated sludges), a gas-permeable Teflon membrane and an oxygen electrode was prepared for the amperometric determination of ammonia. When the sensor was inserted in a solution containing ammonia, the current decreased to a steady-state with a response time of 4 min. The relationship between the current decrease and the ammonia concentration was linear up to 42 mg l-1. The minimum concentration for the determination was 3.5 mg l-1. The current decrease was reproducible within 4 per cent of relative error. The current output of the sensor was almost constant for over 10 days and 200 assays.