obtained. High-resolution mass spectroscopy is a full spectrum acquisition techniques, which offer the possibility for screening of a large number of pollutants in
post-target driven approaches without the requirement of pre-selection of analytes
for the development of technique.
Environmental sensor research generates considerable interest and activity
nowadays. Research studies involving biosensor design and development for
environmental monitoring in terms of toxic elements, organic pollutants and
pathogens contribute to the betterment of the health of the ecosystem. As compared
to traditional methods, biosensors are more sensitive, cost-effective, rapid, easy to
operate and portable equipment. They are helpful and reliable for the in situ
measurements of water pollutants, where they provide rapid and miniaturized
services [38, 94]. Nanoparticles have applications in various fields, such as pharmaceuticals, energy, environment, electronic, catalytic and material applications
[7]. Nanoparticles are traditionally defined as particles having a size range between
1 and 100 nm, displaying unique properties different from bulk-sized materials.
They also have potential application in environmental monitoring. Nanoparticles as
nanosensors offer advantages of rapid and high output detection of pollutants
present in aqueous environments. Surface modified nanoparticles such as gold
nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and quantum dots possess
specific target binding characteristics [34]. Their nanoscale scale and exceptional
properties make them useful for modern age environmental monitoring. Different
nanoparticles possess specific magnetic, surface, optical and fluorescence properties
and interaction between these properties makes these nanoparticles potential candidate for environmental monitoring. Nanoparticles based approaches have application for the improvement of water and soil quality.
Environmental biotechnology-based tools aid in the protection of the natural
ecosystem, on the basis of which marine-related social and economic activities
relies on. These approaches including biosensors play a vital role in addressing
marine environmental issues. Whole cell biosensor is monitoring tool based on
living bacteria possessing ability in signal sensing a delivering an output response
that can be detected and quantified using a suitable detector device. Biosensors find
application in fast and cost-effective screening of pollutants present in aqueous
systems [84, 90] (Diplock et al. 2010). Although not aimed for substitution of
analytical techniques, biosensors are attractive tools for the in situ determination of
pollutants in a cheap and flexible way without needing heavy equipment.
Biosensors respond to the amount of pollutant that is bioavailable, while chemical
and traditional techniques determine the total concentration of pollutant present in
the sample, which may overestimate the real risk in terms of toxicity [47].
In this chapter, we summarized recent progress in emerging techniques and
materials for water pollutants detection. This chapter includes chromatographic
techniques and other advanced methods for environmental monitoring. Role and
advances of biosensors in the sensing of water pollutant is briefly discussed. With a
controllable structure and interface interaction properties, nanoparticles and
nanocomposites exhibit novel physical and chemical features that will be essential
Materials in Emerging Water Pollutants Detection
257
post-target driven approaches without the requirement of pre-selection of analytes
for the development of technique.
Environmental sensor research generates considerable interest and activity
nowadays. Research studies involving biosensor design and development for
environmental monitoring in terms of toxic elements, organic pollutants and
pathogens contribute to the betterment of the health of the ecosystem. As compared
to traditional methods, biosensors are more sensitive, cost-effective, rapid, easy to
operate and portable equipment. They are helpful and reliable for the in situ
measurements of water pollutants, where they provide rapid and miniaturized
services [38, 94]. Nanoparticles have applications in various fields, such as pharmaceuticals, energy, environment, electronic, catalytic and material applications
[7]. Nanoparticles are traditionally defined as particles having a size range between
1 and 100 nm, displaying unique properties different from bulk-sized materials.
They also have potential application in environmental monitoring. Nanoparticles as
nanosensors offer advantages of rapid and high output detection of pollutants
present in aqueous environments. Surface modified nanoparticles such as gold
nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and quantum dots possess
specific target binding characteristics [34]. Their nanoscale scale and exceptional
properties make them useful for modern age environmental monitoring. Different
nanoparticles possess specific magnetic, surface, optical and fluorescence properties
and interaction between these properties makes these nanoparticles potential candidate for environmental monitoring. Nanoparticles based approaches have application for the improvement of water and soil quality.
Environmental biotechnology-based tools aid in the protection of the natural
ecosystem, on the basis of which marine-related social and economic activities
relies on. These approaches including biosensors play a vital role in addressing
marine environmental issues. Whole cell biosensor is monitoring tool based on
living bacteria possessing ability in signal sensing a delivering an output response
that can be detected and quantified using a suitable detector device. Biosensors find
application in fast and cost-effective screening of pollutants present in aqueous
systems [84, 90] (Diplock et al. 2010). Although not aimed for substitution of
analytical techniques, biosensors are attractive tools for the in situ determination of
pollutants in a cheap and flexible way without needing heavy equipment.
Biosensors respond to the amount of pollutant that is bioavailable, while chemical
and traditional techniques determine the total concentration of pollutant present in
the sample, which may overestimate the real risk in terms of toxicity [47].
In this chapter, we summarized recent progress in emerging techniques and
materials for water pollutants detection. This chapter includes chromatographic
techniques and other advanced methods for environmental monitoring. Role and
advances of biosensors in the sensing of water pollutant is briefly discussed. With a
controllable structure and interface interaction properties, nanoparticles and
nanocomposites exhibit novel physical and chemical features that will be essential
Materials in Emerging Water Pollutants Detection
257