Dual detection of biochemical oxygen demand and nitrate in water based on bidirectional Shewanella loihica electron transfer
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Updated: Dec 22, 2025

Electrochemical Detection of Deuterium Kinetic Isotope Effect on Extracellular Electron Transport in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
Published on: April 16, 2018
Yue Yi1, Ting Zhao1, Beizhen Xie1
1Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China; Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China; International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
Abstract:
This study for the first time proposed a method for simultaneously measuring BOD and nitrate in water using electrochemically active bacteria. Firstly, the bidirectional extracellular electron transfer (EET) capability of a model electricigen Shewanella loihica PV-4 was revealed. Then, based on the respective outward and inward EET, S. loihica PV-4 was utilized to detection BOD and nitrate. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between the outward EET and BOD (from 0 mg/L to 435 mg/L) while a negative correlation between the inward EET and nitrate (from 0 mg/L to 7 mg/L); both the relationships were well fitted by the combination of traditional linear model and Michaelis-Menten model (R2>0.96). Finally, a dual detection method for BOD and nitrate measurements was established based on the ano-cathodophilic capability of S. loihica PV-4 biofilm, and exhibited the characteristics of high accuracy (>80%) and fast analysis (<1h), suggesting a promising prospect in water monitoring.

