Electrochemical Sensors for Detection of Environmental Pollutants: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The rapid industrialization and urbanization of recent decades have significantly increased the release of hazardous pollutants into the environment, necessitating the development of reliable, rapid, and cost-effective monitoring systems. Electrochemical sensors have emerged as powerful analytical tools for the detection of environmental contaminants due to their high sensitivity, selectivity, portability, and low operational cost. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances in electrochemical sensing technologies applied to the detection of key pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and gaseous contaminants. The article discusses fundamental sensing principles—such as amperometric, potentiometric, and impedimetric detection—along with the design and fabrication of electrode materials incorporating nanomaterials, conductive polymers, and biomimetic elements. Special emphasis is placed on the role of nanostructured materials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles, and metal–organic frameworks in enhancing the analytical performance of sensors. Additionally, the review highlights recent trends in portable and wearable sensor development, miniaturization, and integration with wireless and IoT-based monitoring systems. Current challenges, including sensor stability, selectivity in complex matrices, and large-scale application, are critically analyzed. Finally, future research directions are proposed, focusing on sustainable materials, multifunctional hybrid sensors, and real-time environmental monitoring platforms.

How to cite this article:
Shukla R. Electrochemical Sensors for Detection
of Environmental Pollutants: A Comprehensive
Review. J Adv Res Appl Chem Chem Eng 2025;
3(2): 6-10.