Environmental biosensors: a unified theme

Biosensors for Environmental Monitoringedited by U. Bilitewski and A.P.F. TurnerHarwood Academic Publishers, 2000(421 pages) US$ 120 ISBN 90 5702 449 7With the relatively large and increasing amount of literature concerning biosensors, one might consider the wisdom of another volume dedicated to the subject. However, the trend of consolidating seemingly disparate biosensor technologies under a unified theme is well served by ‘Biosensors for Environmental Monitoring’ edited by Ursula Bilitewski and Anthony P.F. Turner. In general, the topics covered are relevant to environmental monitoring and the chapters related to sampling and matrix-specific sample preparation are particularly useful. This book is divided into eight chapters that cover the intended topic. Chapters 1 to 3 describe the basic principles of signal transduction and biochemical recognition. Although much of the information found in these sections can be found elsewhere, there are numerous examples that are relevant to environmental monitoring.Chapters 4 to 7 are application orientated and provide the reader with an insight into the types of environmental monitoring that are typically encountered and how biosensors have been applied in research. Although the technology is described well, the authors, in general, stop short of suggesting which biosensor methods might best be suited for specific situations.Chapter 4 covers water analysis and is primarily organized by compound class. This arrangement is particularly useful for environmental scientists interested in the potential application of biosensor technology to environmental monitoring. Because the format is carefully controlled with various authors contributing sections in their areas of expertise, the book reads more like a reference text than a collection of review articles. This editorial approach might account for the preponderance of European contributors. In addition, a variety of tables and figures including several color plates are used to illustrate key concepts.Chapter 5 addresses the field of soil analysis. The first section outlines concepts of sampling, transport and preparation of soil samples. Because a reasonable awareness of the issues that surround the potential application of a biosensor is critical, this type of introduction is useful to the reader. This chapter further discusses various biosensor configurations in context of extraction solvents, soil interferences and probable requirements for field development.Possibilities for the use of gas-phase biosensors for environmental monitoring are introduced in Chapter 6. Although the compounds and concentration ranges applicable to these biosensors are not typically of concern to the general public, occupational monitoring in certain industrial settings could provide an important area for future development of these unique biosensors. Integration of biosensor techniques into an overall environmental monitoring strategy is presented in Chapter 7. The authors place biosensor techniques into the context of classical methods of chemical analysis for environmental samples. Also addressed is the concept that biosensors will probably complement, rather than replace, currently used analytical methods.In conclusion, this book presents a consolidation of a wide range of biosensor concepts into a focused theme and would be a valuable asset for anyone planning to investigate, develop or use biosensors for environmental monitoring applications.