Designing biosensor networks for the environmental risk assessment of aquatic systems

作者：Siontorou Christina G^*; Georgopoulos Konstantinos N; Nalantzi Maria Malvina E

来源：Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 2017, 47(1): 40-63.

DOI：10.1080/10643389.2016.1278141

• Aquatic systems
• biosensors
• environmental impact
• environmental monitoring
• fate of pollutants
• modeling
• ontology engineering

The design of sensors for measuring environmental parameters is neither easy nor straightforward. The development of field devices to suit a target pollutant at the necessary detectability presents only one side of the problem, possibly solved by technology advancements. The other side lies in deciding which pollutant derivative to target so that ecological-relevant and reliable conclusions could be drawn. Pollutants entering the environment may follow a variety of metabolic routes guided by a complicated, overlapping, and multifaceted synergy of biotic and abiotic parameters that could result in a variety of impacted ecosystem elements and degrees of adverse reactions. In that aspect, each ecosystem is unique, necessitating a deep knowledge of the micro- and macro-structures that are at risk and ad hoc designed sensors to suit those risks. This paper presents an ontological approach to risk assessment by means of designing and managing a network of biosensors to monitor the most critical ecological parameters in a cost-effective manner. Various implementation aspects of the proposed methodology are presented and discussed using two simulation cases: nitrification/denitrification in a constructed wetland and oil weathering at sea. The results indicate that biosensor platforms might prove quite beneficial for in situ monitoring approaches, owing to their modular versatility that allows for diverse screening opportunities and customizations to fit any monitoring needs for sensitivity and selectivity. Further, the design of a biosensors network with varying response times and sensitivities might be feasible in the near future, bridging the gap between micro- and macro-scales; still, sensor placement and reliability issues should be carefully considered.

• 出版日期2017