Dear Dr. Karen,

The following publications and links depict a variety of biosensors utilized in environmental sciences:

1-The following book describes a variety of biosensors used in environmental microbiology. These include:

Enzyme-Based Biosensors

Whole Cell–Based Biosensors

Antibody-Based Biosensors (Immunosensors)

DNA-Based Biosensors

Biomems, Biomimetics, and other Emerging Biosensor Technologies

9. Biosensors as Environmental Monitors

Ralph Mitchell2 and

Ji-Dong Gu3

Steven Ripp,

Melanie L. DiClaudio and

Gary S. Sayler

Published Online: 17 JUN 2010

DOI: 10.1002/9780470495117.ch9

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9780470495117.ch9/summary

2-Another publication entitled "Biosensors-An annotated selection of World Wide Web sites relevant to the topics in environmental microbiology " lists a number of links that lead to publications describe a variety of biosensors such as Biosensors and other medical and environmental probes, Biosensors and Bioelecronics, Whole cell recombinant bacterial sensors, Microbial biosensors, Biosensors for environmental modeling factsheet,  Immobilized enzyme biosensor and others:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3815396/

3-Bacterium-Based NO2− Biosensor for Environmental Applications

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2004 Nov; 70(11): 6551–6558.

doi: 10.1128/AEM.70.11.6551-6558.2004

A sensitive NO2− biosensor that is based on bacterial reduction of NO2− to N2O and subsequent detection of the N2O by a built-in electrochemical N2O sensor was developed. Four different denitrifying organisms lacking NO3− reductase activity were assessed for use in the biosensor. The relevant physiological aspects examined included denitrifying characteristics, growth rate, NO2− tolerance, and temperature and salinity effects on the growth rate. Two organisms were successfully used in the biosensor. The preferred organism was Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens, which is an organism with a denitrifying pathway deficient in both NO3− and N2O reductases. Alternatively Alcaligenes faecalis could be used when acetylene was added to inhibit its N2O reductase. The macroscale biosensors constructed exhibited a linear NO2− response at concentrations up to 1 to 2 mM. The detection limit was around 1 μM NO2−, and the 90% response time was 0.5 to 3 min. The sensor signal was specific for NO2−, and interference was observed only with NH2OH, NO, N2O, and H2S. The sensor signal was affected by changes in temperature and salinity, and calibration had to be performed in a system with a temperature and an ionic strength comparable to those of the medium analyzed. A broad range of water bodies could be analyzed with the biosensor, including freshwater systems, marine systems, and oxic-anoxic wastewaters. The NO2− biosensor was successfully used for long-term online monitoring in wastewater. Microscale versions of the NO2− biosensor were constructed and used to measure NO2− profiles in marine sediment.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC525188/

4- Microbial biosensors for environmental monitoring

David VOGRINC, Maša VODOVNIK, Romana MARINŠEK-LOGAR

Abstract

Microbial biosensors are analytical devices capable of sensing substances in the environment due to the specific biological reaction of the microorganism or its parts. Construction of a microbial biosensor requires knowledge of microbial response to the specific analyte. Linking this response with the quantitative data, using a transducer, is the crucial step in the construction of a biosensor. Regarding the transducer type, biosensors are divided into electrochemical, optical biosensors and microbial fuel cells. The use of the proper configuration depends on the selection of the biosensing element. With the use of transgenic E. coli strains, bioluminescence or fluorescence based biosensors were developed. Microbial fuel cells enable the use of the heterogeneous microbial populations, isolated from wastewater. Different microorganisms are used for different pollutants – pesticides, heavy metals, phenolic compounds, organic waste, etc. Biosensing enables measurement of their concentration and their toxic or genotoxic effects on the microbes. Increasing environmental awareness has contributed to the increase of interest for biomonitoring. Although technologies, such as bioinformatics and genetic engineering, allow us to design complex and efficient microbial biosensors for environmental pollutants, the transfer of the laboratory work to the field still remains a problem to solve.

http://ojs.aas.bf.uni-lj.si/index.php/AAS/article/view/101

5-References for biosensors and environmental health

https://books.google.ps/books?id=rVrEJltQ8fIC&pg=PA147&lpg=PA147&dq=biosensors+in+environmental+microbiology&source=bl&ots=BWKqS9Lgrz&sig=J_QQXolIVpIQFkxAN1DbliKnoUY&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=biosensors%20in%20environmental%20microbiology&f=false

6-Biosensors as environmental monitors Environmental Microbiology, 2nd Edition (2010)

S. Ripp

M. L. DiClaudio

Gary S. Sayler , University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Abstract

This is the long-awaited and much-anticipated revision of the bestselling text and reference. Based on the latest information and investigative techniques from molecular biology and genetics, this Second Edition offers an in-depth examination of the role of microbiological processes related to environmental deterioration with an emphasis on the detection and control of environmental contaminants. Its goal is to further our understanding of the complex microbial processes underlying environmental degradation, its detection and control, and ultimately, its prevention.

https://works.bepress.com/gary_sayler/50/

Hoping this will be helpful,

Rafik

Please have a look at these researchgate links and PDF attachments.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11089300_Microbial_BOD_sensor_for_waste_water_analysis

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235997982_DNA_Based_Biosensors_for_Detection_of_Pathogens

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259008590_Nucleic_Acid_Based_Biosensors_for_Clinical_Applications

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275024124_Development_and_Applications_of_Portable_Biosensors

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51496414_Biosensors_as_innovative_tools_for_the_detection_of_food_borne_pathogens

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228426388_Advances_in_biosensors_for_detection_of_pathogens_in_food_and_water

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5277670_Biosensor_Technology_Technology_Push_Versus_Market_Pull

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222426619_Nanoparticle-Based_Biosensors_for_Detection_of_Pathogenic_Bacteria

Good Luck

Article Microbial BOD sensor for waste water analysis

Chapter DNA Based Biosensors for Detection of Pathogens

Article Nucleic Acid Based Biosensors for Clinical Applications

Article Development and Applications of Portable Biosensors

Article Biosensors as innovative tools for the detection of food bor...

Article Advances in biosensors for detection of pathogens in food and water

Article Biosensor Technology: Technology Push Versus Market Pull

Article Nanoparticle-Based Biosensors for Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria

Yes, there are biosensors for environmental applications. Please use the link below to download of useful publication in this area:

http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs-wm/16445.pdf

Hope you find this information helpful.

Professor Yehia Khalil

Yale University

USA