Method and apparatus for detection of toxic substances in a sample
First Claim
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1. A method for detection of toxic substances in a sample, comprising the steps of:
- (a) combining the sample with a living culture of Tetramitus rostratus in flagellate form, and (b)) monitoring the swimming behavior of the living culture of Tetramitus rostratus in the presence of the sample, wherein loss of coordination of swimming behavior of the Tetramitus rostratus is indicative of the presence of a toxic substance in the sample.
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Abstract
Toxic substances in a sample can be detected by combining the sample with a living culture of Tetramitus rostratus (10), and monitoring (12) the morphological state and/or swimming behavior of the living culture of Tetramitus rostratus in the presence of the sample. Loss of coordination of swimming behavior of the Tetramitus rostratus is indicative of the presence of a toxic substance in the sample. The sample tested may be a solid or liquid sample, or it may be a gaseous sample (for example an air sample (5) which may contain an airborne toxin).
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for detection of toxic substances in a sample, comprising the steps of:
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(a) combining the sample with a living culture of Tetramitus rostratus in flagellate form, and (b)) monitoring the swimming behavior of the living culture of Tetramitus rostratus in the presence of the sample, wherein loss of coordination of swimming behavior of the Tetramitus rostratus is indicative of the presence of a toxic substance in the sample. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for assessing a sample for the presence of toxic substances, comprising:
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(a) a housing;
(b) a reservoir disposed within the housing, said reservoir containing a living culture of Tetramitus rostratus in flagellate form;
(c) a sample inlet tube, passing through the housing to allow introduction of sample from outside the housing into the reservoir;
(d) an analysis probe comprising means for observing the swimming behavior of Tetramitus rostratus in the reservoir; and
(e) means for periodically stirring the Tetramitus rostratus in the reservoir. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification