Carbon quantum dots (CQDS) based fluorescent thin film sensors for environmental monitoring

Abstract

Over the past decades, various macro and micropollutants of the environment have emerged such as drugs, cosmetics and their byproducts, industrial chemical wastes, household wastes, pesticides, and heavy metals. They have become one of the biggest concerns all over the globe. Among them, heavy metal and pesticide pollution have attracted huge attention due to their bio-accumulative nature and adverse health effects such as damage to skin, bones, respiratory tissues, kidneys, and neurons [1]. Heavy metals have impacted the environment and human health either directly or indirectly. The composition of heavy metals (such as chromium, aluminium, copper, cobalt, lead, etc.), their availability, and their concentration differ depending on different localities and regions based on natural origin or industrial activity [2]. The residues appear in detectable levels in water resources like household water or river water. The use of pesticides has increased food yields in a view to achieve food security, however, have also started to show their adverse effects on human health. The pesticides in use are commonly classified as organophosphates, nitro compounds, amides, pyrethroids, organochlorine, and carbamates. Persistent exposure to OP pesticides leads to soil and water pollution causing them to remain in the water, soil, crops, and various environmental sources [3].