Chapter 21 - Nanostructured sensors for detection of emerging organic pollutants

Abstract

Organic pollutants can have various origins. These can be released into the environment as a result of synthesis, extraction, and manufacturing processes, also during the use of substances or materials, and even after the life cycle of the material or product. In contrast, its detection can be carried out directly from an environmental matrix, understood as soil, water, or air, but also through the analysis of tissues of biological entities, including the analysis of tissues in fish, moss, plants, mammals, and even humans. In this context, nanotechnology has emerged as an alternative for monitoring pollutants, particularly those of organic nature. In general, nanomaterials offer a wide range of optical, chemical, electrical, and magnetic properties, among others, that can be used to manufacture sensors. Thus, by studying the interaction of the nanomaterial with a specific pollutant, different responses can be obtained. Consequently, the reproducibility of the response can be used for analytical purposes both at a qualitative (detection) and quantitative (quantification) level. This chapter will address the fundamental aspects of the use of nanomaterials in the detection of organic compounds, emphasizing the analytical strategies and procedures in the different environmental matrices, including air, soil, and water, for the detection of emerging organic pollutants.