ALGAE TOXIMETER - A BIOSENSOR FOR WATER MONITORING

Abstract

An algae toximeter - a novel automated biosensor - is presented that is applied as a rapid indicator of herbicides in rivers, lakes and waste water. The apparatus functions continously in the control station and transmits the measuring results via data telecommunication to a host computer. The opto-electronic unit of the biosensor detects immediately the chlorphyl]l-fluorescence emission from the algae which have been contaminated by the water being tested. Due to the influence of substances in the water which are toxic to algae, in particular due to the influence of herbicides (electron transport blockers), a measurable increase in the chlorophyll-fluorescence emmision can be observed. This apparatus can also be used, as a laboratory version, in the screening to exotoxicological substances.