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Electronic Sensors Detection of Nanoplastic Effects on Aqua Biota in Africa
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This review examines the application of electronic sensor technologies including optical, electrochemical, and biosensor platforms for detecting nanoplastics in African aquatic ecosystems and assessing their biological effects on aquatic organisms, highlighting the continent's particular vulnerability given its dependence on fisheries.
Nanoplastics, plastic particles smaller than 1 micrometer, are an emerging contaminant of concern in aquatic ecosystems globally, including in Africa. Monitoring the presence and impacts of nanoplastics is crucial for the continent given its reliance on fisheries and aquaculture for food and livelihoods. Advanced electronic sensor technologies offer promising tools for detecting and quantifying nanoplastics in water bodies, as well as assessing their biological effects on aquatic organisms. This review examines the potential applications of electronic sensors, such as optical, electrochemical, and biosensors, in nanoplastic pollution monitoring and impact assessment in African aquatic environments. The review tells how electronic sensors can be used to measure a range of nanoplastic-related impacts on aquatic biota, including bioaccumulation, disruption of physiological processes, induction of oxidative stress, and alterations in gene expression. Deploying sensor networks in African water bodies could provide real-time, high-resolution data to inform policy decisions, water quality management, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting critical aquatic resources and food security. The review also highlights technical challenges related to sensor performance in complex aquatic matrices, as well as the need to integrate sensor data with other monitoring and ecological assessment approaches. Ensuring equitable access to sensor technologies and data across different regions and stakeholder groups in Africa will also be crucial. Therefore, this review underscores the significant potential of electronic sensors to advance our understanding of nanoplastic pollution and its effects on aquatic biota in Africa, while also identifying key considerations for the successful implementation of these technologies. Keywords; Africa, Aqua Biota, Effects, Electronics, Nanoplastics, Sensors
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