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ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS
Biosensors are in high demand by environmentalists and researchers worldwide because of their unique ability to detect one specific analyte in thousands. Out in nature, scientists apply biosensors to sense pollutants that are dangerous to the planet as well as its inhabitants. Many researchers have adopted the biosensor rather than conventional, bulky methods due to its portability, speedy testing, and capability to measure contaminants in intricate matrixes, or an environment where something develops, with very little sample preparation. Research reveals that biosensors help bioremediation and may potentially aid workers by measuring toxicity levels after an environmental catastrophe, such as oil spills.
Here are a few pollutants that biosensors can recognize before widespread contamination emerges:
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Heavy metals such as copper, lead, chromium, zinc, mercury, and cadium are harmful because they are non-biodegradable. Detected mainly with light or enzymes.
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Nitrogen compounds can have dangerous implications if it comes in contact with the human body or the aquatic environment.
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Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are virulent organic compounds that can harm wildlife because they are lypophilic, or have a strong affinity for fats.
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Phenols are toxic pollulants used in industrial aspects that can harm organisms, mainly fish and other sea creatures. Phenols can cause mutations and affect respiration, They have thankfully been detected by electrochemical DNA sensors.
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Endrocrine-disruptors and hormones are exogenous compunds that affect the endogenous hormone homeostasis. In order words, these hormones can alter the way your body functions and bring about unwanted changes, such as cancer. Optical immunosensors are able to detect testosterone, progesterone, and estrone.
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Organophosphorus compounds (OP) are chemicals used in agriculture to control pests and diseases; this group encompasses pesticides, herbicides, and dioxins.
Biosensors can also detect the biochemistry oxygen demand (BOD), which is "the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms in a body of water to break down organic material". BOD is often a rough estimate of pollution because if the water is contaminated, then the dissolved oxygen amount is low, which means that there is an increased population of aerobic bacteria consuming all the oxygen, which results in depleting wildlife. Amperometric biosensors are normally used to determine BOD levels, and they typically measure bacterial respiration rate.
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