A Review on the Application of Biosensors for Monitoring Emerging Contaminants in the Water Environment

Yi Xiao; Zhe Du; Yuqian Li; Lijia Cao; Bo Zhu; Tetsuya Kitaguchi; Caihong Huang

doi:10.3390/s25164945

journal article Open Access Aug 10, 2025

A Review on the Application of Biosensors for Monitoring Emerging Contaminants in the Water Environment

Yi Xiao

Zhe Du

Yuqian Li

Lijia Cao Bo Zhu

Tetsuya Kitaguchi Caihong Huang

Sensors Vol. 25 No. 16 pp. 4945 · MDPI AG

View at Publisher Save 10.3390/s25164945

Abstract

Due to the frequent occurrence and elevated concentrations of emerging contaminants (ECs) in water environments, as well as their high toxicity, these compounds have become a growing concern, threatening water safety, human health, and environmental health. Stricter regulations and routine monitoring are required to control EC pollution in water. Analytical chemistry-based techniques are the most widely used approach for quantifying ECs in environmental samples. However, high costs, complex sample preparation, time-consuming protocols, and labor-intensive processes limit their application for the routine and rapid detection of ECs. Biosensors are a promising biotechnological alternative that has received increased attention in recent years for the quantification of ECs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main types of biosensors used for monitoring ECs in aquatic environments, highlighting their underlying detection mechanisms and recent technological advancements. It also discusses key challenges associated with different biosensor platforms, such as stability, sensitivity, and development complexity. Potential future research directions to address these limitations and enhance the performance of biosensors include immobilization on hybrid nanomaterials, and the development of portable and multifunctional biosensors for on-site and real-time monitoring. By summarizing current progress and identifying future directions, this review will broaden the awareness and recognition of biosensors for monitoring ECs in water environments, contributing to water safety, sanitation, and sustainability.

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Details

Published: Aug 10, 2025
Vol/Issue: 25(16)
Pages: 4945
License: View

Authors

Y

Yi Xiao

State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China; Institute of Yellow River Delta Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Integrity, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China

Z

Zhe Du

State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China

Y

Yuqian Li

State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China

L

Lijia Cao

State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China

B

Bo Zhu

Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Integrated Research, Institute of Science Tokyo, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Kanagawa, Japan

T

Tetsuya Kitaguchi

Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Integrated Research, Institute of Science Tokyo, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Kanagawa, Japan

C

Caihong Huang

State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China

Funding

Fundamental Scientific Research Funds for the Central Public-Interest Scientific Institution Award: 2023YSKY-46

Cite This Article

Yi Xiao, Zhe Du, Yuqian Li, et al. (2025). A Review on the Application of Biosensors for Monitoring Emerging Contaminants in the Water Environment. Sensors, 25(16), 4945. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25164945

A Review on the Application of Biosensors for Monitoring Emerging Contaminants in the Water Environment

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