Biosensor for heavy metals detection in wastewater: A review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Heavy metal pollution is a growing global concern, exacerbated by industrialization and human activities.
• These metals cause significant health issues in humans and adverse effects on plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• Previous research and reports highlight the widespread impact of heavy metal contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the production of heavy metals.
• To discuss the environmental effects associated with heavy metal pollution.
• To explore and evaluate technologies for detecting heavy metals, with a focus on biosensors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific findings and press reports on heavy metal pollution.
• Analysis of various technologies used for heavy metal detection.
• Detailed examination of biosensor design, features, types, and performance metrics.

Main Results:

• Biosensors demonstrate superior benefits over other analytical techniques due to their reproducibility, reusability, linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, and stability.
• Recent data shows biosensors achieving detection limits as low as 65.36 ng/mL for heavy metals.
• The review includes specific detection limits for heavy metals in wastewater samples using biosensors, referencing studies from the last five years.

Conclusions:

• Biosensors are highly effective and beneficial analytical instruments for detecting heavy metal pollution.
• The advanced features and performance of biosensors make them a preferred method for environmental monitoring.
• Continued research and application of biosensors are crucial for managing and mitigating heavy metal contamination.