Sensors for the Detection of Heavy Metal Contaminants in Water and Environment

Abstract

AbstractEnvironmental pollution by heavy metals is a global problem. The main sources of waste are industrial or domestic products and heavy metal–containing pesticides and fertilizers. Heavy metal contamination poses a serious danger to the human health and environment. Heavy metals are among the important environmental pollutants because of their toxic effects on plants, animals, and humans, even at very low concentrations. Moreover, they have non-biodegradable property and accumulation in the food chain. Currently available methods for determination of metal ion levels in water include chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. These chromatographic and spectroscopic methods are costly methods that require intense technical training because of their time-consuming and complicated procedures. The development of sensors for monitoring of toxic metals especially in water and environment is very important. The nano and functional material-based chemical sensors have been extensively employed for the detection of heavy metals. These sensors have advantages such as high selectivity, sensitivity, portability, on-site sensing capability, and improved performance of the devices. This chapter will outline the broad contours of heavy metals and the practical applications for their detection, with sensors, in the water and environment.KeywordsHeavy metalsSensorsSensitive determinationMonitoringWaste waterEnvironmentOptical sensorsElectrochemical sensorsColorimetric sensorsPiezoelectric sensors