Biosensors for toxic metals, polychlorinated biphenyls, biological oxygen demand, endocrine disruptors, hormones, dioxin, phenolic and organophosphorus compounds: a review

The growing pollution by hazardous agents is a major concern due to pollutant transfer to water, air, soil and food. Since actual analytical methods are limited, there is a need for detectors that are more sensitive, more selective, faster and cheaper. For instance, advanced portable biosensors have better sensitivity compared to classical diagnostic devices. Here, we review ultrasensitive detection of pollutants by biosensors. In particular, nanobiosensors display remarkable nanomolar to picomolar detection of various pollutants including heavy metals, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, dioxin, biological oxygen demand and microbial pathogens.

Automated summary

The increasing pollution by hazardous agents is a major concern as these pollutants transfer to water, air, soil, and food. There is a need for detectors that are more sensitive, selective, faster, and cheaper due to limitations in current analytical methods. Biosensors, especially nanobiosensors, demonstrate remarkable detection capabilities for various pollutants including heavy metals, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, dioxin, biological oxygen demand, and microbial pathogens.