Application of enzyme assays for toxicological water testing

Abstract

Abstract Two different criteria for biochemical toxicity testing are proposed: the effect of hazardous substances on the metabolic activity of the natural microflora and the determination of such substances by a standardized enzyme testing system. To measure effects on the microbial metabolic activity, there are various simple in vivo enzyme assays using chromogenic or fluorogenic substrates. To detect unknown substances with harmful effects, there exist some in vitro enzyme tests with commercial preparations of defined purity and sensitivity. The performance, sensitivity, and some data of the practical use of such tests are presented. The applicability of the two testing protocols is discussed.