Abstract: There is disclosed an oil content analyzer device containing a degradable ion transport cell designed to present a changing internal impedance as a function of the oil content of water flowing therethrough. The cell is comprised of two electrodes made of dissimilar metallic compositions with a hydrocarbon-absorbing material sandwiched therebetween, and housed in a container having openings to permit water flow therethrough. In operation, a sample of water is circulated through the degradable ion transport generating device with the result that the electrical output characteristics of the device change as a function of the amount of hydrocarbons absorbed in the membrane element, whereby an electrical signal is generated which is inversely proportional to the oil content of the analyzed water sample.