Professor Richard Luxton, Director at Institute of Bio-sensing Technologyat the University of the West of England, takes a look at some of the latest developments in sensor and biosensor technology for water analysis ahead of SWIG’s major Sensing in Water conference in September.

Professor Richard Luxton: The development of sensor and biosensor technology for water analysis has mushroomed, seeking to exploit the development of new materials and connected smart technologies.

Certainly, over the last few years there have been many sensing technologies developed in our universities that demonstrate exquisite sensitivity in the laboratory but are yet to show that transition into a viable product for real world application. 

Many new sensing technologies are based on the application of nanomaterials such as graphene or carbon nanotubes using electrochemical or impedimetric measurement technologies. Other sensors have been developed that rely on nanoscale features in materials such as nano-pores which detect the presence of material transiting through the structure, or atomic defects in materials such as diamond. 

For example boron doped diamond is being used to develop a new pH electrode with the potential for greater performance specifications than other pH electrodes. Although there has been a great focus on these nanomaterials many new sensors which are closer to the market or are being used in current products are based on the application of optical methods such as the measurement of fluorescence. 

For example, the integration of flow cytometry and fluorescence measurement forms the basis of a technology for the detection of bacteria in water which can be applied to online monitoring. In another application recording both the excitation and emission spectra of water multiple compounds can be detected simultaneously. 

Despite developing ultra-sensitive measurement technologies there still remains the problem of integrating the sensing elements into a real world device where a representative sample is presented to the measurement system. 

In the era of the Internet-of-things, smart sensing and remote monitoring will be the future, integrating multiple types of sensing technologies to monitor water whether that be drinking water or wastewater. 

Connectivity to the cloud and interoperability are paramount in the new smart, connected world of sensor systems. We have sensor networks but now connectivity with the cloud opens up the opportunity to develop new data analytics which will generate greater opportunities for the early detection of impending problems, reducing costs of response and enhancing the efficiency of the operator. 

Only by validating new technologies will we have reliable, cost effective sensors required for smart monitoring. The Sensors for Water Interest Group (SWIG) Sensing in Water major upcoming conference on 27 September at Nottingham Belfry will cover the above topics in depth.