Enzyme-based detection of chlorinated hydrocarbons in water. Report for October 1982-July 1983

Technical Report · Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5371351

Offenhartz, B H; Lefko, J L

An enzyme-based approach for detecting hazardous levels of high-molecular-weight chlorinated hydrocarbons in natural waters was explored. An extensive review of the literature indicated that the enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase, carbonic anhydrase, hexokinase, phosphorylase and an ATPase are suitable for field method development. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was chosen to develop a method that promises rapid, reliable, and cost-effective detection. The LDH-catalyzed reaction is used to detect chlorinated hydrocarbons, which reduce the rate of the reaction by reversibly inhibiting the enzyme. The analysis uses pH detection and takes 5 minutes. So far, the LDH method has been used to detect aldrin, toxaphene, DDT, PCBs, pentachlorophenol and 2,4,5,-T at the parts per million level. A review of the literature suggests that most organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, polychlorinated phenols and chlorophenoxy derivatives can be detected by the LDH method. Preliminary investigations of potential interferants suggest that the LDH method selectively detects chlorinated hydrocarbons. Work was begun on immobilizing the enzyme for incorporation in water monitor and field detector designs. The LDH method shows potential for use in field devices and for processing extracts of soils and wastes, as well as water samples. These method adaptations are recommended for future work.

• Research Organization: JRB Associates, Inc., McLean, VA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5371351
• Report Number(s): PB-85-191716/XAB
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Also published as B and M Technological Services, Inc., Cambridge, MA. rept. no. B/M-EPA-82-01
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ENZYME ACTIVITY
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE
WATER POLLUTION
DETECTION
CATALYSIS
FIELD TESTS
MONITORS
PESTICIDES
SAMPLING
WATER QUALITY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ENZYMES
HEMIACETAL DEHYDROGENASES
MATERIALS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
OXIDOREDUCTASES
POLLUTION
TESTING
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)