sent to a base station via GPRS (general packet radio service). Parra et al. [81]
developed a turbidity sensor which can differentiate between turbidity types which
is based on the Beer-Lambert law and the absorption of light.
4.3 Future Trends and Recommendations
Wireless sensor networks have enormous potential in water pollution detection and
monitoring, as they help us to monitor and interact remotely and collect huge
amount of data. Lifetime of a sensor is dependent on the battery life, which has to
be replaced or recharged when depleted. Managing power requirements of a sensor
is a challenge. Harvesting of energy has been suggested to manage wireless-based
sensor power supply, though most energy harvesting systems depends on solar cells
[82]. Several self-powered mobile sensors were used in water distribution pipelines
[83]. Deployment of sensor nodes at various locations need special techniques
which needs to be ad dressed. The primary goal of wireless sensor design is to
create miniature, efficient and low-cost devices. Security of sensor nodes and their
information also needs attention of researchers as the remote and unattended
operation of sensor nodes increases the chances of malicious invasions. The
security requirements in WSNs comprises authentication of nodes and confidentiality of data. For the development of multiparameter, high performance sensor, it
will be important if different sensors like biosensor, nanosensor, smart sensors can
be incorporated in a programmable microprocessor.
5 Nanomaterials: Emerging Materials for Sensors
Nanomaterials are extensively researched for detection of water contaminants
owing to their unique structures and excellent catalytic and electrical properties
[84]. Advancements in design of the sensors such as small size, portability, and fast
signal response times have been enabled using nanomaterials [85]. Nanomaterials
have high surface to volume ratio and it is easy to functionalize nanomaterials for
enhanced sensitivity. In few cases increased sensitivity of nanomaterial used sensor
is owing to the fact that nanomaterials have size similar to that of analyte and
therefore are capable of interrogating previously unreachable matrices [86]. In
general, nanomaterials can be differentiated into three classes quantum dots, metal
based nanomaterials, carbon based nanomaterials.
Emerging Techniques and Materials for Water Pollutants Detection
287
developed a turbidity sensor which can differentiate between turbidity types which
is based on the Beer-Lambert law and the absorption of light.
4.3 Future Trends and Recommendations
Wireless sensor networks have enormous potential in water pollution detection and
monitoring, as they help us to monitor and interact remotely and collect huge
amount of data. Lifetime of a sensor is dependent on the battery life, which has to
be replaced or recharged when depleted. Managing power requirements of a sensor
is a challenge. Harvesting of energy has been suggested to manage wireless-based
sensor power supply, though most energy harvesting systems depends on solar cells
[82]. Several self-powered mobile sensors were used in water distribution pipelines
[83]. Deployment of sensor nodes at various locations need special techniques
which needs to be ad dressed. The primary goal of wireless sensor design is to
create miniature, efficient and low-cost devices. Security of sensor nodes and their
information also needs attention of researchers as the remote and unattended
operation of sensor nodes increases the chances of malicious invasions. The
security requirements in WSNs comprises authentication of nodes and confidentiality of data. For the development of multiparameter, high performance sensor, it
will be important if different sensors like biosensor, nanosensor, smart sensors can
be incorporated in a programmable microprocessor.
5 Nanomaterials: Emerging Materials for Sensors
Nanomaterials are extensively researched for detection of water contaminants
owing to their unique structures and excellent catalytic and electrical properties
[84]. Advancements in design of the sensors such as small size, portability, and fast
signal response times have been enabled using nanomaterials [85]. Nanomaterials
have high surface to volume ratio and it is easy to functionalize nanomaterials for
enhanced sensitivity. In few cases increased sensitivity of nanomaterial used sensor
is owing to the fact that nanomaterials have size similar to that of analyte and
therefore are capable of interrogating previously unreachable matrices [86]. In
general, nanomaterials can be differentiated into three classes quantum dots, metal
based nanomaterials, carbon based nanomaterials.
Emerging Techniques and Materials for Water Pollutants Detection
287