(i.e. detecting only known chemicals, classifying the chemicals present in a sample and not knowing what their biological effects are, not being able to detect very low quantities of particular chemical, etc.), long term carcinogenicity tests and epidemiological studies have encouraged the analysis of drinking water using short-term mutagenicity biotests.
Another alternative or complementary analytical tool in monitoring of drinking water represent biosensors. Biosensors are analytical devices which use biological interactions to provide either qualitative or quantitative results. They offer the specificity and sensitivity of biologically based assays packed into convenient devices which allow for rapid and superior reaction control.8 The biosensor technology offers the possibility of identifying and quantifying specific compound directly in water or in air. Biosensors can complement classical analytical methods because they are able to distinguish between bioavailable and unavailable forms of known contaminants present in a sample.