Water quality monitoring using an enhanced chemiluminescent assay based onperoxidase-catalyzed peroxidation of luminol

Enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) describes the phenomenon of the light outp ut increase in the reaction of oxidation of luminol catalyzed by horseradis h peroxidase (HRP) in the presence of certain phenolic compounds. This work summarizes the effects of preincubation of certain substances with HRP on the chemiluminescent reaction intensity. Preincubation of herbicide, deterg ent, surfactants (Brij-96 and Tween-20), phenol, metal ions (mercury, cobal t, and nickel), and bactericide with HRP had an inhibitory effect on the en zyme activity. HRP-preincubation with metal ions (cadmium, magnesium, and z inc), as well as with some insecticides, stimulated the chemiluminescent in tensity. Calibration graphs were obtained to demonstrate the possibility to determine the pollutant concentration. Light emission from the peroxidase catalyzed enhanced chemiluminescence is affected by a wide number of chemic als and, therefore, the method can be used for onsite monitoring of water q uality. A rapid and simple assay to detect water contamination has been dev eloped.