Advances in environmental pollutant detection techniques: Enhancing public health monitoring and risk assessment
Yang Li, Biqing Chen, Shuaifei Yang, Zhe Jiao, Meichen Zhang, Yanmei Yang, Yanhui Gao
Abstract
This paper highlights the latest development of detection technology, which provides important insights for environmental monitoring and public health protection. • Emerging technologies offer rapid and sensitive detection of diverse environmental pollutants. • Environmental monitoring networks provide real − time data for public health initiatives. • Challenges like data integration hinder cost − effective detection solution development. • Interdisciplinary approaches are crucial for comprehensive disease prevention via pollutant detection. Accurate detection and monitoring of environmental pollutants are of paramount importance for disease prevention and public health. In recent years, the ever-expanding human activities and industrial production have given rise to a sharp increase in the complexity and variety of these pollutants, which pose significant threats to human well − being. Environmental pollutants stem from multiple sources, such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, inorganic non − metallic pollutants, emerging pollutants, and biological contaminants. Traditional detection technologies, though valuable for their sensitivity and accuracy, are constrained by complex sample preparation, poor selectivity, and the absence of standardized detection methods. On the other hand, emerging technologies, including nanotechnology, molecular detection methods, biosensors, Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), multi-omics, and big data analysis, offer promising solutions for rapid and sensitive pollutant detection. The establishment of environmental monitoring networks and data − sharing platforms further enhances real − time pollutant monitoring and provides solid data support for public health initiatives. Nonetheless, challenges persist, including data integration, exposure assessment, and the development of cost-effective and portable detection solutions. Future progress in interdisciplinary approaches and technology integration will be crucial for advancing environmental pollutant detection and facilitating comprehensive disease prevention. This review systematically classifies environmental pollutants and showcases the latest advancements in detection technologies, offering critical insights for environmental monitoring and public health protection.