Fluorescent sensors for trace detection of hydrocarbons, explosives, and drug residues in soil: Advances and critical insights

Background Soil contamination by hydrocarbons, explosives, and pharmaceutical drugs, including antibiotics, poses serious environmental and health risks. These pollutants originate from industrial waste, military activities, and agriculture, leading to long-term toxicity. Sensitive detection methods are crucial for effective monitoring and remediation. Scope and Approach: This review covers recent advances in fluorescent sensors for detecting hydrocarbons, explosives, and pharmaceutical drug contaminants in soil. It highlights sensor materials, detection mechanisms, and array-based approaches. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges and limitations faced by these sensors when applied to real sample analysis. Key Findings and Conclusions: Fluorescent sensors offer high sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid detection of hydrocarbons, explosives, and drug residues. Advances in array based sensing and portable devices have improved detection efficiency. However, challenges remain in enhancing sensor durability and field applicability. Future research should focus on real-time monitoring and practical deployment for effective environmental assessment, as well as the development of reusable sensors, long-range pH stability, and the fabrication of devices such as Fido X4.