Abstract
The elevated concentrations of various trace metals beyond existing guideline recommendations in water bodies have promoted research on the development of various electrochemical nanosensors for the trace metals’ early detection. Inspired by the exciting physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials, advanced functional nanocomposites with improved sensitivity, sensitivity and stability, amongst other performance parameters, have been synthesized, characterized, and applied on the detection of various trace metals in water matrices. Nanocomposites have been perceived as a solution to address a critical challenge of distinct nanomaterials that are limited by agglomerations, structure stacking leading to aggregations, low conductivity, and limited porous structure for electrolyte access, amongst others. In the past few years, much effort has been dedicated to the development of various nanocomposites such as; electrochemical nanosensors for the detection of trace metals in water matrices. Herein, the recent progress on the development of nanocomposites classified according to their structure as carbon nanocomposites, metallic nanocomposites, and metal oxide/hydroxide nanocomposites is summarized, alongside their application as electrochemical nanosensors for trace metals detection in water matrices. Some perspectives on the development of smart electrochemical nanosensors are also introduced.
Highlights
The key factor to mitigating trace metals pollution and keeping the water quality up to standard is the early detection of trace metals within the environmental water bodies [1].Undoubtedly, the global economic expansion and industrial developments necessary to meet demand and the continued sustainability of human lives have been appreciated worldwide
The statistics published by the World Health Organization (WHO), based on the 2017 figures, pronounce that 785 million people lack basic drinking-water services, including 144 million people who are dependent on surface water
On the basis of this rationalization, we systematically reviewed the recent nanomaterials, nanocomposites, for electrochemical nanosensors and their applications in toxic trace metal detection in environmental water samples
Summary
The key factor to mitigating trace metals pollution and keeping the water quality up to standard is the early detection of trace metals within the environmental water bodies [1]. It is well known that a class of essential trace elements, such as; zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), chromium III (Cr), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), amongst others, play significant roles in nutrition balance and other biological aspects [7,8] Their excessive ingestion above the maximum permitted guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) may lead to various adverse effects ranging from acute to chronic impacts, depending on the type, species and level of exposure [9,10]. Following the comprehensive review of the nanosensors and their applications, smart nanosensors were evaluated and key concerns, challenges, and future forecasts in the monitoring and detections of trace metals in environmental water bodies were deliberated
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