Dye-coupled electrode system for the rapid determination of cell populations in polluted water.

We determined cell populations in polluted waters by using a fuel cell-type electrode. The electrode was constructed from a platinum anode, a silver peroxide cathode, and a membrane filter for retaining microorganisms. The principle of cell number determination is based on sensing a redox dye reduced by the microorganisms with the electrode. Sample solutions containing microorganisms were membrane filtered, and the resulting filter containing microbial cells was attached to the surface of a platinum anode. The electrode was immersed in phosphate buffer solution (0.05 M, pH 7) containing a redox dye (2,4-dichlorophenol-indophenol), and the current generated was measured. The response time of the electrode system was 10 to 20 min, and the current generated was proportional to cell populations above 10(4) cells/ml.