The role of biosensors in environmental monitoring

Abstract

Assessing the detrimental effects of possible toxicants on humans, plants, and animals depends on the efficient detection and monitoring of environmental contaminants. Due to their pronounced toxicity and accumulation, these pollutants are important for monitoring the environment (water, wastewater, food) for environmental conservation and the prevention of illnesses. Analysis of organic, inorganic, heavy metals, biochemical compounds can be done from various traditional approaches to the modern up-to date highly sophisticated hyphenated techniques such as LCMS/MS, GC-MS/MS etc. Biosensors, an alternative to conventional technologies, have been proven with added advantages such as portability, miniaturization, on-the site analysis, early detection, minimal requirement of samples of environment, health, food and defence. In the present study, a review of the role of biosensors and their compatibility in environmental monitoring of pollutants such as pesticide, reactive oxygen species, heavy metals, antibiotics and nitrogen compounds has been focussed.