Environmental metal pollution can be detected by using the certain forest and
aquatic mosses e.g. Stereophyllum, Sphagnum, Brynus. Capozzi et al. [15] reported
the application of moss Sphagnum palustre to immobilize polystyrene nanoparticles
for the first time in an aqueous environment; these research observations opened
novel applicative perceptions to biological monitoring approach. It encouraged the
application of mosses for the determination of microplastics in fresh-water
ecosystems. Experiments of Hg bioaccumulation was carried out by Cesa-Bianchi
et al. [17] using aquatic moss Rhynchostegium riparioides with the aim of
(1) measuring the metal uptake at increasing water concentrations, and increasing
exposure time, (2) studying the influence of pH and water concentration of Na, Ca
and Mg on the metal uptake, (3) achieving a database for mathematical and statistical elaborations, and, (4) producing an equation modelling the uptake.
(b) Cell biological assays
Methods based on cell biology are chiefly targeted to trace the detrimental effects of
contaminants on various cellular components for example, mitochondria, chloroplast, cellular membranes and chromosomes. In addition to this, nucleic acids and
proteins are also used. Also, these techniques aids in determination of mechanism
of toxicity of pollutant compounds. Extensive studies have been carried out on the
presence and formation of DNA adducts [59, 61]. The detection of these DNA
adducts in aquatic fauna is used as exposure indicators since last twenty years [52].
Stein et al. [78, 79] reported some of the pioneer work on the kinetics of formation
of adduct and removal in fish liver, where the persistence of DNA adducts followed
by exposure to benzo[a]pyrene and 7H-dibenzo[c,g] carbazole was observed.
(c) Molecular biological assays
The use of molecular probes and immunoassays in the monitoring of environmental
pollution is gaining importance in recent years. Molecular biological bioassays are
particularly useful for the detection of bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic
organisms that cause diseases. DNA probes and polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) can be effectively used for water quality monitoring, particularly potable
water. However, these techniques are expensive and not practical in all places.
Immunological based techniques are prove to be beneficial for the monitoring of
environmental pollutants (such as pesticides and herbicides) and identification of
pathogens that show immunological characteristics. Immuno based assays are in
use for the measurement of several pesticides for e.g. aldrin, triazines DDT,
glyphosate.
(d) Microbial biosensors
Various biological tools for the rapid screening of vast number of chemicals present
in environment that could pose hazard have been developed by scientists. Living
cells have evolved to sense numerous environmental stimuli, thereby presenting a
completely unique platform to engineer bio-sensing devices. Because of simplicity in genetic modification and preservation, microorganisms have established
Materials in Emerging Water Pollutants Detection
265
aquatic mosses e.g. Stereophyllum, Sphagnum, Brynus. Capozzi et al. [15] reported
the application of moss Sphagnum palustre to immobilize polystyrene nanoparticles
for the first time in an aqueous environment; these research observations opened
novel applicative perceptions to biological monitoring approach. It encouraged the
application of mosses for the determination of microplastics in fresh-water
ecosystems. Experiments of Hg bioaccumulation was carried out by Cesa-Bianchi
et al. [17] using aquatic moss Rhynchostegium riparioides with the aim of
(1) measuring the metal uptake at increasing water concentrations, and increasing
exposure time, (2) studying the influence of pH and water concentration of Na, Ca
and Mg on the metal uptake, (3) achieving a database for mathematical and statistical elaborations, and, (4) producing an equation modelling the uptake.
(b) Cell biological assays
Methods based on cell biology are chiefly targeted to trace the detrimental effects of
contaminants on various cellular components for example, mitochondria, chloroplast, cellular membranes and chromosomes. In addition to this, nucleic acids and
proteins are also used. Also, these techniques aids in determination of mechanism
of toxicity of pollutant compounds. Extensive studies have been carried out on the
presence and formation of DNA adducts [59, 61]. The detection of these DNA
adducts in aquatic fauna is used as exposure indicators since last twenty years [52].
Stein et al. [78, 79] reported some of the pioneer work on the kinetics of formation
of adduct and removal in fish liver, where the persistence of DNA adducts followed
by exposure to benzo[a]pyrene and 7H-dibenzo[c,g] carbazole was observed.
(c) Molecular biological assays
The use of molecular probes and immunoassays in the monitoring of environmental
pollution is gaining importance in recent years. Molecular biological bioassays are
particularly useful for the detection of bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic
organisms that cause diseases. DNA probes and polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) can be effectively used for water quality monitoring, particularly potable
water. However, these techniques are expensive and not practical in all places.
Immunological based techniques are prove to be beneficial for the monitoring of
environmental pollutants (such as pesticides and herbicides) and identification of
pathogens that show immunological characteristics. Immuno based assays are in
use for the measurement of several pesticides for e.g. aldrin, triazines DDT,
glyphosate.
(d) Microbial biosensors
Various biological tools for the rapid screening of vast number of chemicals present
in environment that could pose hazard have been developed by scientists. Living
cells have evolved to sense numerous environmental stimuli, thereby presenting a
completely unique platform to engineer bio-sensing devices. Because of simplicity in genetic modification and preservation, microorganisms have established
Materials in Emerging Water Pollutants Detection
265