Abstract
The present chapter elucidates progressions in the surveillance of soil pollution, with a specific emphasis on integrated systems and sensor technologies. Future trends (e.g., enhanced selectivity, regulatory adoption), deployment platforms (field-deployable, wireless networks), and sensor types (electrochemical, optical, and biosensors) are discussed. Increasing sensitivity and specificity, facilitating on-site, real-time analysis, and integrating sensing with remediation strategies are priorities. The discourse highlights the revolutionary capacity that soil pollution sensors possess to propel environmental monitoring and management forward. Collaboration among stakeholders is critical for successfully implementing sensor-based approaches and driving innovation.
TopIntroduction
Globally, soil contamination by inorganic and organic contaminants is a significant environmental concern. Due to industrial activities and improper waste disposal, soils have become contaminated with numerous hazardous substances, such as emerging contaminants, pesticides, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons. Ingestion or direct exposure to these soil contaminants may result in severe health hazards for humans, including diminished soil fertility, groundwater and crop contamination, and accumulation in the food chain. So, quickly, cheaply, and accurately finding soil contaminants is very important for describing sites, keeping track of contamination levels, and judging how well cleanup efforts are working (He & Cai, 2021; Zaghloul et al., 2019). Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are conventional analytical methods for measuring soil pollutants, are costly, time-consuming, and offer limited spatial information. Recent developments in sensor technologies hold significant potential for enhanced in-situ and real-time monitoring and detection of soil pollution. These sensors can identify and quantify contaminants in soil samples using sensing mechanisms, including optical, electrochemical, biological, and physical processes. These devices are well-suited for field applications and continuous monitoring due to their portability, affordability, rapid response times, and high sensitivity (Abdulraheem et al., 2023; Nadporozhskaya et al., 2022).
This chapter examines recent advancements in sensor technologies for detecting soil pollution, focusing on their operating principles, performance characteristics, applications, and challenges. This study aims to look into what could be done by connecting sensors to wireless communication networks, data acquisition systems, and geographic information systems (GIS) to make it easier to map out soil contamination and keep an eye on it from afar. Furthermore, the paper will examine the potential of sensor networks and drones to augment the resolution and spatial coverage of monitoring initiatives about soil pollution. The chapter endeavours to underscore the significance of sensor technologies in furthering our comprehension of the dynamics of soil contamination and bolstering the efficacy of environmental management approaches. Various human activities, including industrial operations, agricultural methods, and inadequate refuse management, cause substantial soil pollution, a significant global environmental issue. Soil contamination by various substances, such as organic pollutants, pesticides, and heavy metals, can harm ecosystem health, agricultural output, and human welfare. The assessment of contamination levels, identification of pollutant sources, and implementation of remediation strategies to mitigate environmental impacts all rely heavily on the efficacy of soil pollution monitoring (Cui et al., 2021). Theoretical underpinnings for soil pollution monitoring comprise engineering, chemistry, environmental science, and biology principles. It involves comprehending the mechanisms by which pollutants degrade in soil matrices, including adsorption, leaching, and microbial degradation. Theoretical models and concepts from these disciplines guide the design and development of sensor technologies, data analysis techniques, and remediation strategies to tackle soil pollution challenges.
Soil pollution monitoring integrates data analytics, sensor technologies, and environmental management strategies. Sensors equipped to identify a diverse array of contaminants in soil samples, along with data processing algorithms that decipher sensor data and pinpoint areas of high pollution, are utilized in the process. Monitoring soil contamination requires knowledge to formulate environmental management strategies, such as land use planning and remediation techniques, to alleviate environmental hazards and advance sustainable land management approaches. Monitoring soil pollution to determine the source of pollutants, identify the extent and severity of contamination in soil environments, and direct remediation efforts to safeguard human health and ecosystems. Soil pollution monitoring involves developing and deploying sensor technologies to detect pollutants, integrating sensor data with environmental models to assess risks, and implementing remediation and prevention management strategies. The objective is to develop an all-encompassing structure for proactively managing soil contamination that considers human health and environmental sustainability.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Soil Pollution: Soil contamination by hazardous substances, such as heavy metals or pesticides, harms ecosystems and human health.
Biosensors: Biological sensing devices that employ biological recognition elements, such as enzymes or antibodies, to detect and quantify target analytes, often used in environmental monitoring applications.
Electrochemical Sensors: Instruments that detect analytes by measuring changes in electrical properties, commonly used in soil pollution monitoring for their sensitivity and selectivity.
Emerging Contaminants: Previously unrecognized pollutants or chemicals of concern are becoming increasingly prevalent in the environment, posing potential risks to ecosystems and human health.
Environmental Sensors: Devices designed to detect and measure physical, chemical, or biological parameters in the environment to monitor pollution levels or environmental conditions.
Optical Sensors: Sensors that utilize light-based techniques, such as fluorescence or absorption, to detect and quantify analytes, offering advantages in sensitivity and real-time analysis.