Detection of some chloroorganic compounds by a microbial sensor system

Cells of an isolated Pseudomonas sp. MB58 strain containing DL-2-haloacid dehalogenase were used as a biological component in microbial bioassay for the detection of 2,2-dichloropropionic and D-2- chloropropionic acids. The cells were entrapped in various matrices. The highest specific activity and stability have been obtained in calcium alginate. Temperature between 293 and 313 K did not affect the enzymatic activity of the cells, and pH between 6.0 and 8.0 had a little influence. Several organic substances did not influence the conversion, whereas some heavy metal ions inhibited the dehalogenase activity.