Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors for Pesticides Detection in Water Quality Monitoring: An Updated Review

ABSTRACT The field of electrochemical (bio)sensors is diverse and has seen rapid growth due to high demand and continuous improvements in technology for onsite monitoring of different ecosystems. In this line, electrochemical (bio)sensors have been reported to play a vital role in the analysis of pesticide in water quality applications. Electrochemical (bio)sensors are highly sensitive, miniaturized, rapid, cost effective, and are highly suitable for online and in situ analysis in comparison to the conventional analytical methods. They can detect any compound that undergoes a specific electrochemical transformation via direct or indirect format within a specific potential range. This review is focused on highlighting the updated formats for electrochemical (bio)sensors in the detection of various pesticides, potential contaminants of the water ecosystem. A special emphasis is given to the role of biological and synthetic receptors, with a special focus on the use of carbon nanomaterials, while evaluating the corresponding analytical features of each receptor‐based construct. Considering the potential challenges associated with the detection of pesticides, we have comparatively reviewed the potential impact of various types of biosensors, such as those based on enzyme, antibody, aptamer, molecularly imprinted polymer, and biomimetic receptor elements. The overall analytical figures of the merit for these types of biosensors are discussed, especially in terms of real‐sample analysis and suitability for field application.