Nanostructured Copolymer and Dendrimer-Based Sensor for the Detection of Organic Pollutants in Wastewater Samples

Every year, the levels of chemicals to which man and his environment are exposed are increasing. The contamination of surface and underground water by organic pollutants presents a significant latent risk to humans and the ecosystem through the food chain. Organic pollutants are well known as a group of chemicals formed from the incomplete combustion of organic matter, such as coal, oil, and wood and fuel, such as diesel and petrol. They can find their way into environmental point sources, such as drinking water, seawater, groundwater, and wastewater. Without an efficient process of water purification, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to provide sufficient water that is fit for consumption. The effective development of electrochemical sensors using nanomaterial has been increasing over the years, and these materials are proving to be sensitive, reliable, and cost-effective sensors or detecting organic pollutants. Since nanomaterials possess excellent electrical, optical, thermal, and catalytic properties and strong mechanical strength, various approaches have been followed and offer a great opportunity to construct nanomaterials-based sensors or devices for monitoring contaminations in wastewater. This chapter proposes to review the role of nanomaterials in electrochemical sensors for the detection of organic pollutants in wastewater. It also focuses on the developments of sensors and their recent application trends in wastewater samples for the detection of organic pollutants.