Disposable and Low-Cost Colorimetric Sensors for Environmental Analysis

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Nov 11;17(22):8331. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17228331.

Abstract

Environmental contamination affects human health and reduces the quality of life. Therefore, the monitoring of water and air quality is important, ensuring that all areas are acquiescent with the current legislation. Colorimetric sensors deliver quick, naked-eye detection, low-cost, and adequate determination of environmental analytes. In particular, disposable sensors are cheap and easy-to-use devices for single-shot measurements. Due to increasing requests for in situ analysis or resource-limited zones, disposable sensors' development has increased. This review provides a brief insight into low-cost and disposable colorimetric sensors currently used for environmental analysis. The advantages and disadvantages of different colorimetric devices for environmental analysis are discussed.

Keywords: colorimetric sensors; disposable devices; environmental analysis; in loco analysis; low-cost sensors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollution / analysis
  • Colorimetry* / economics
  • Colorimetry* / standards
  • Environmental Monitoring* / economics
  • Environmental Monitoring* / instrumentation
  • Environmental Pollutants* / analysis

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants