14 - Nanosensors for the detection of heavy trace metals in soil

Abstract

This chapter highlights the recent advancements in the field of nanosensors for the detection of metals, namely iron, copper, arsenic, mercury, lead, platinum, palladium, and rhodium. It is a well-known fact that the processes like fuel emissions, ore extractions, improper industrial waste disposal, and contamination of water and soil resources leads to the accumulation of hazardous elements in the soil. These elements pose a threat to mankind in the form of various diseases due to intake of crops grown in such soils. Thus it is essential to upscale the production of nanosensors for on-field applications. Herein, we discuss the ideal parameters of a fertile soil and the hazardous effects of the soils contaminated with heavy metals and finally the new emerging techniques used by the researchers to develop a cutting-edge generation of nanosensors for the detection of heavy trace metals in soil.