WHOLE-CELL BIOSENSOR FOR ANALYSIS OF BENZENE AND DERIVATIVES

A biosensor based on Pseudomonas putida cells immobilized in an agariz ed culture medium was constructed for the purpose of determining trace s of benzene in aqueous solutions using a classical gaseous diffusion amperometric oxygen electrode as transducer. After performing a comple te electroanalytical characterization of the biosensor, the response t o several benzene derivatives (toluene, chlorobenzene, nitrobenzene, e thylbenzene) was evaluated. The results obtained have been compared wi th those reported by other authors who used classical cellulose acetat e filters for cell immobilization.