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Environmental Analysis by Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors

Part of the book series: Nanostructure Science and Technology ((NST))

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Abstract

Water, as the universal solvent on the surface of our planet, is a key matrix to understand and manage environmental phenomena, e.g., pollutant dynamics, geochemical processes or climate studies. Moreover, an adequate supply of good-quality water is a strategic resource for human development and well-being. In this context, accurate and representative analytical information about chemical composition of water is essential for correct assessment, interpretation and solving of environmental problems. Whereas standardized, lab -based analytical methodologies are still dominant in water analysis, chemical sensors and particularly electrochemical sensors are growing as advantageous alternatives to develop simplified and miniaturized analytical tools applicable for flexible, decentralized measurements capable of providing improved spatial and temporal data resolution that is essential in environmental monitoring. In this chapter, we discuss the fundamental aspects of environmental water chemistry and how this chemistry is linked to relevant chemical substances most often analyzed in the context of environmental studies, with special attention to pollutants. Then, the use of sensors for water analysis, with special focus on electrochemical sensors, is treated. We discuss successful examples of the application of electroanalytical sensing approaches to water component determination and speciation, including relevant inorganic, organometallic and organic substances. Finally, we briefly outline future potentials of electrochemical sensors applied to water analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Sciences, Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain

    Eduardo Pinilla Gil

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  1. Eduardo Pinilla Gil
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Correspondence to Eduardo Pinilla Gil .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy

    Ligia Maria Moretto

  2. Institute of Chemistry, Universitat Graz, Graz, Austria

    Kurt Kalcher

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Gil, E.P. (2014). Water. In: Moretto, L., Kalcher, K. (eds) Environmental Analysis by Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors. Nanostructure Science and Technology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0676-5_3

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