Bioelectrochemical biosensors for water quality assessment and wastewater monitoring

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical biosensors offer a promising approach for real-time monitoring of industrial bioprocesses. Many bioelectrochemical biosensors do not require additional labelling reagents for target molecules. This simplifies the monitoring process, reduces costs, and minimizes potential contamination risks. Advancements in materials science and microfabrication technologies are paving the way for smaller, more portable bioelectrochemical biosensors. This opens doors for integration into existing bioprocessing equipment and facilitates on-site, real-time monitoring capabilities. Biosensors can be designed to detect specific heavy metals such as lead, mercury, or chromium in wastewater. Early detection allows for the implementation of appropriate removal techniques before they reach the environment. Despite these challenges, bioelectrochemical biosensors offer a significant leap forward in wastewater monitoring. As research continues to improve their robustness, selectivity, and cost-effectiveness, they have the potential to become a cornerstone of efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment practices.

Keywords: bioelectrochemical biosensors; biosensor design; organic pollutant detection; pollutant detection; wastewater monitoring.

Graphical abstract

Figure 1

The basic working principle of BES, showing anode and cathode chambers with electrodes and biofilms attached.

Figure 2

The classification of biosensor based on bioreceptor and transducer parts.

Figure 3

A PZT-based piezoelectric biosensor for the early detection of cancer markers. (a) Shows various layouts of the ceramic resonators and (b) a photograph of the ceramic resonator typically shows a small, disk-shaped, or rectangular component with electrodes attached (40 MHz ceramic resonator) taken from Su et al. [74].

Figure 4

Different types of immobilization methods used in a biosensor: (a) Covalent bonding, (b) cross linking, (c) entrapment, and (d) physical adsorption.

Figure 5

Different types of wearable glucose biosensors used by a patient. To overcome the uncovered needs such as inexpensive, real-time identification of diabetes, early digital health awareness, and limits for intravenous medication [155].

Figure 6

Illustration of the way in which the IoT links medical professionals, patients, and the wider network, guaranteeing that digital records are available to everybody [204].