Detection of nitrification inhibitors in liquids - by contacting with nitrogen cpd. and immobilised culture of nitrifying bacteria

摘要

Detection of nitrification-inhibiting substances in a liq. sample is carried out by contacting the sample and a N cpd. (I) with an immobilised culture of nitrifying bacteria (Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter spp.), and determining after a predetermined time, using a colour indicator, whether the conversion of (I) to nitrate has proceeded more or less rapidly than its conversion to NH3. The culture is pref. produced by introducing the bacteria into a medium contg. an NH4 salt and trace elements, aerating the medium with CO2 and air, and adding NH4 salt and alkali at a rate such that the pH does not exceed 9. The process is esp. useful for detecting pollutants in water. It is rapid and can be performed as a routine test by unskilled personnel.