SPR for water pollutant detection and water process analysis

Abstract Various trace and/or emerging pollutants discharge into the aquatic environment, which challenge existing analytical methods and water treatment technologies. In the past 20 years, a technology termed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has been widely used to detect various types of environmental pollutants and to improve the water treatment efficiency. In this chapter, surface modification methods of SPR chip are summarized. Applications of SPR in detection of heavy metals, organic toxic pollutants and pathogens in the environment are illustrated. In addition, the use of SPR in monitoring microbial attachment and biofilm formation, characterizing antifouling materials, and explorating the interaction of microorganisms with toxic substances is described. In order to fully utilize SPR in the investigation of the water pollution control process, there are still more capacities that can be exploited.