The basic concept of the nitrate biosensor is to exploit the extreme sensitivity of the enzyme to nitrate, and to capture a record of the enzyme's activity in the presence of nitrate as a tiny electrical impulse. The impulse will be amplified electronically for display on a panel meter or on-line data logging system. This electronic signal call also be transmitted and stored on a computer for effective monitoring of nitrate content over time. Nitrate in the environment is growing problem world-wide. Excess nitrate is changing the basic ecology of natural organism populations from those surviving best at low Nitrogen content of natural waters to ones best able to grow at higher Nitrogen.
Many industrial processes produce nitrate-containing waste streams.
Nitrate deposition from air pollution is another major source. Currently available technology for nitrate monitoring is limited. The Nitrate Biosensor may be better choice in many situations, since few other chemical will interfere with its function, making it more reliable. The NECi Nitrate Biosensor makes possible an interesting array of new approaches to monitoring nitrate. For example, it is difficult to monitor changes in nitrate content of natural water, especially in remote locations.