A Weak Electricigen-Based Bioelectrochemical Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Chemical Pollutants in Water

Electroactive microorganisms are now understood to be abundant across nature, though many are categorized as "weak electricigens" not suitable for reasonable power generation. We report the use of weak electricigens from the natural environment for rapid, real-time water quality monitoring. Using a variety of pesticides as model chemical pollutants, the bioelectrochemical sensor was responsive within minutes at all concentrations tested (0.05-2 ppm) and could be repreatedly used long-term. Due to the prevalence of electroactive microorganisms in the natural environment, such sensors could work in tandem with conventional monitoring methods and may be useful for detecting emerging contaminants.