Abstract: A device is provided for carrying out optical measurements such as fluorescence and absorbance measurements on samples distributed at measurement sites on a support, including first and second illumination apparatus, an optical detector, first and second optical fibres with an end facing the measurement sites at first and second faces of the support, respectively, which device further includes optical configuration apparatus configurable so as to allow the following configurations: (i) optical coupling of the first illumination apparatus with the first optical fibres and of the optical detector with the second optical fibres, (ii) optical coupling of the second illumination apparatus and the optical detector with the second optical fibres, and/or (iii) optical coupling of the second illumination apparatus and the optical detector with the first optical fibres. A corresponding method implemented in this device is also provided.

Abstract: A method for measuring the biodegradability of organic substrates by the fluorescent and/or colorimetric detection of the microbial activity generated by the addition of organic substrates to a mixture of microorganisms.