A Novel Microbial Sensor for Anionic Surfactant Determination

Abstract
A novel whole cell biosensor was constructed for detection of anionic surfactants in an aquatic environment. The sensor response to linear alkyl benzene sulfonates was linear up to 6 mg l−1 which is a range suitable for the detection of anionic surfactant concentration in polluted river water. Under optimum conditions, the sensor response time was less than 15 min. Anionic surfactant analysis was rapid and convenient and did not require organic reagents which are harmful to an environment.