ENZYME-LINKED-IMMUNOSORBENT-ASSAY FOR THE DETERMINATION OF 2,4,6-TRINITROTOLUENE AND RELATED NITROAROMATIC COMPOUNDS

A sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the determination of the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and other nitroaromatic compounds was developed. As tracer, a trinitrophenyl-derivative conjugated to horseradish peroxidase was used. With this competitive assay, performed in polystyrene microtitre plates, TNT can be detected within the range of 0.02-mu-g/l and 20-mu-g/l. Cross-reactivities at the center points (50% values) of several nitroaromatic compounds were determined. Additionally, the cross-reactivities at different concentrations of the analytes were stated to yield a more realistic estimation of the interferences. Finally, the applicability of the immunoassay to the determination of TNT in water samples was assessed.