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AN APPROACH FOR SCREENING CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS IN DRINKING WATER USING AN IMMOBILIZED ENZYME ASSAY
Citation:
Weetall, H., N N. Mishra, A. Mahfouz, AND K R. Rogers. AN APPROACH FOR SCREENING CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS IN DRINKING WATER USING AN IMMOBILIZED ENZYME ASSAY. ANALYTICAL LETTERS 37(7):1297-1305, (2004).
Impact/Purpose:
The overall objective of this task is to develop scientifically sound sampling and bioanalytical approaches for screening and monitoring of hazardous wastes. These techniques are expected to provide the Agency with improved screening and field portable methods to characterize, reduce, and control risk to human health and the environment. Specific objectives will include development and characterization of the following concepts:
SPMDs for passive accumulation of TICs
Bioassays for toxic and genotoxic compounds
MIPs for volatile and semivolatile toxic organics
Rapid screening assays using the previously listed components.
Description:
A simple, inexpensive and sensitive method for detecting organophosphate and carbamate insecticides is reported. Acetylcholinesterase was immobilized to PorexR Lateral-FloTM membrane material and remained active for several months at room temperature. The assay was sensitive to a number of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. Tap water and bottled water matrices showed no effect on the assay. The change in optical density could be determined using an optical plate reader or by visual examination compared to a control and blank. The detection limit for paraoxon by visual examination was 10 ppb.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Office of Research and Development (ORD), has funded and performed the research described. This manuscript has been subjected to the EPA's peer and administrative review and has been approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the US EPA.