Biosensor to detect heavy metals in waste water

Abstract

This chapter discusses the utilization of biosensors in the detection of heavy metals in waste water. Biosensors, due to their simplicity and selectivity, prove very promising for environmental pollution monitoring especially by heavy metals. The determination of heavy metal ions using immobilized biosensor is based on the measurement of the activity of urease, which is inhibited by heavy metal ions. The modified sol gel immobilized sensor, presented in this chapter, can be used as reliable means for heavy metal ions determination in liquid samples especially in laboratories. Chromium levels in waste water from two different sources were tested by the developed sensor. Crude urease from Dolichos uniflorus immobilized on cellulose strip was used as the bio recognition element. Urease was immobilized on a cellulose strip and the performance of the resulting sensor was analyzed. The enzyme electrode was used for the detection of chromium ions. The sensor was evaluated for various parameters and the factor affecting inhibition and immobilization of the enzyme was studied.