Potental application of biosensor networks for monitoring aquatic sytems in support of the water framework directive

Improved water quality monitoring techniques based on biosensor, optical, microfluidics and information technologies are leading to radical changes in our ability to perceive, understand and manage the aquatic environment. The EU Water Framework Directive aims to prevent further deterioration and to protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems, to promote sustainable water use based on long-term protection of water resources. This requires real-time environmental monitoring systems to implement and verify compliance with legislation by simultaneously monitoring many different priority chemicals and toxins with simple and costeffective techniques. Intelligent sensor networks could effectively perform this task, as well as detecting localised sources of pollution and providing an early warning capability. Some recent advances in biosensing techniques using fluorescent labelled antibodies and molecularly imprinted polymers, for the analysis of various contaminants in freshwater and seawater, are reviewed.