2018/04/26 by Peter Kruse · 162 citations
Chemical Engineering · Engineering · #Advanced Chemical Sensor Technologies #Analytical Chemistry and Sensors #Biology #Ecology #Environmental science #Gas Sensing Nanomaterials and Sensors #Physics #Quality (philosophy) #Water quality
paper · doi:10.1088/1361-6463/aabb93
published in Journal of Physics D Applied Physics 51(20), 203002 (Institute of Physics)
openalex publication_date 2018/04/26 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Abstract Terrestrial life may be carbon-based, but most of its mass is made up of water. Access to clean water is essential to all aspects of maintaining life. Mainly due to human activity, the strain on the water resources of our planet has increased substantially, requiring action in water management and purification. Water quality sensors are needed in order to quantify the problem and verify the success of remedial actions. This review summarizes the most common chemical water quality parameters, and current developments in sensor technology available to monitor them. Particular emphasis is on technologies that lend themselves to reagent-free, low-maintenance, autonomous and continuous monitoring. Chemiresistors and other electrical sensors are discussed in particular detail, while mechanical, optical and electrochemical sensors also find mentioning. The focus here is on the physics of chemical signal transduction in sensor elements that are in direct contact with the analyte. All other sensing methods, and all other elements of sampling, sample pre-treatment as well as the collection, transmission and analysis of the data are not discussed here. Instead, the goal is to highlight the progress and remaining challenges in the development of sensor materials and designs for an audience of physicists and materials scientists.