TRACE ANALYSIS OF ZN(II), BE(II), AND BI(III) BY ENZYME-CATALYZED CHEMILUMINESCENCE

A novel technique for the trace analysis of metal ions Zn(II), Be(II), and Bi(III) in bulk solutions is discussed. This technique involves t he generation of a chemiluminescence signal from alkaline phosphatase catalyzed hydrolysis of a phosphate derivative of 1,2-dioxetane, Zn(II ) can be determined by two methods, reactivation of the alkaline phosp hatase apoenzyme and inhibition of the native enzyme, Be(II) and Bi(II I) can be determined quantitatively by inhibition of the native enzyme , Subppb to ppm level detection of Zn(II), Be(II), and BI(III) has bee n achieved, Initial studies with mixed metals are also reported, The t echnique described is rapid and sensitive and can be readily applied t o the microassay of heavy metal ions.