We have developed a toxicity monitoring support unit equipped with a biosensor to continuously and sensitively monitor the mixing of toxicants at drinking water sources. The index of water toxicity is respiratory inhibition of iron-oxidizing bacteria. Due to the adoption of the biosensor it is possible to detect respiratory inhibiting toxicants (e.g., cyanide), agricultural chemicals, heavy metals, and chlorinated organic chemicals. With a conventional biosensor it is difficult to maintain stable operation due to the influence of other microorganisms and organic compounds. The adoption of iron-oxidizing bacteria, which are autotrophic and can remain active even in a strongly acidic environment, improves the stability of operation. Furthermore, by equipping the unit with an automatic cleaning and calibration system and two biosensor systems, it is possible to realize continuous, maintenance-free water quality monitoring.
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