Biocatalytical Membrane Electrode for Phenol

Abstract

A microbian sensor for phenol, based on an amperometric sensor for oxygen, was achieved; a thin layer of biocatalytic material (intact microbian cells of Rhodotorula species) was deposited on its surface and maintained there by means of a dialysis membrane, fastened with a rubber ring. The sensor so achieved had better response characteristics than similar sensors reported in literature. It has a liniar response to phenol up to a concentration of 9.0 mg/L. The response time is only 5 to 10 sec. for kinetic method and 30 sec. if the steady state method is used. The influence of pH and temperature on the electrode response, as well as its stability, were also investigated.