Fixed or field automatic equipment for the detection of toxic substances in water, through examination of changes in the metabolism of living cells and corresponding method

Fixed or portable field automatic equipment for the detection of the presence of toxic substances in a liquid, such as for example water for human use, using biological detectors consisting of living cells, which might be eucaryotic or procaryotic, mixed with suitable reagents, comprising a first and a second cell of identical construction, both provided with a sensor designed when mixed with a suitable reagent to detect any irregularity in the metabolism of such cells brought about as a result of stress owing to the presence of toxic substances in the sample in one of the cells being compared with that found in the other cell which is filled with twice distilled water, and stirring and thermostatting means,; delivery means for delivering the sample liquid for performance of the analyses into one of the cells and sterile twice distilled water into the other in order to provide a control, and a processor which receives and processes the data originating from the sensors, equipped with a printer. The equipment may also include a cell sterilisation and washing system.