Nanomaterials for analysis and monitoring of emerging chemical pollutants

Emerging chemical pollutants (ECPs) are defined as new chemicals that have no regulatory status but may have an adverse impact on the environment and human health. Research on ECPs calls for new analytical tools. In this article, we review the applications of nanomaterials in analysis and monitoring of ECPs. We cover different types of nanomaterial (e.g., carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, and quantum dots) and different analytical techniques (e.g., sample-preparation techniques, electrochemical sensing, fluorescent detection, calorimetric detection, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and mass spectrometry). We also discuss current challenges and give our perspectives on the future in this rapidly developing area. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.