Abstract
A microbial sensor for BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measurement has been developed by immobilizing Hansenula anomala in a polyacrylamide gel. The optimum pH and temperature for BOD measurement using this sensor were pH 7.0 and $30^{\circ}C$, respectively. The response time was 30 min. A linear relationship was observed between the potential and the concentration below 44 ppm BOD. The potential was reproducible within ${\pm}9%$ of the relative error when a sample solution containing 20 mg/l of glucose and 20 mg/l of glutamic acid was employed. The effect of various compounds on BOD estimation was also examined. The potential output of the sensor was almost constant for 30 days. The relative error in BOD estimation was within ${\pm}10%$.