Techniques in Prevention, Detection and Monitoring of Environmental Contaminants

Abstract

Pollution in various sectors of the environment has produced a threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems. Biosensors play an important role in the detection of toxicants such as heavy metals. Efforts have been made to develop sensitive and efficient sensors for monitoring the presence of contaminants in the environment using nanotechnology and bioengineering techniques. Biosensors, in particular, help in monitoring the presence of pollutants in the environment, protecting our environment. Enzyme, DNA, imuno and whole cell-based biosensors have been developed and work depending on the reaction type, transduction signal, or analytical performance. Advantages such as specificity, low cost, ease of use, and portability establish biosensors as an efficient technique that can be used to detect the presence of various inorganic and organic contaminants.