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This paper reviews current state-of-the-art methods of measuring pH levels that are based on polymer materials. These include polymer-coated fibre optic sensors, devices with electrodes modified with pH-sensitive polymers, fluorescent pH indicators, potentiometric pH sensors as well as sensors that use combinatory approach for ion concentration monitoring.

Detection of microbial pathogens in food is the solution to the prevention and recognition of problems related to health and safety. New biomolecular approaches for foodborne pathogen detection are being developed to improve the biosensor characteristics such as sensitivity and selectivity, also which is rapid, reliable, cost-effective, and suitable for in situ analysis. Recently, conducting polymers have drawn attention in the development of biosensors. The electrically conducting polymers have numerous features, which allow them to act as excellent materials for immobilization of biomolecules. Also, their unique properties make them appealing alternatives for specific materials currently employed for the fabrication of biosensors. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive literature review detailing the salient features of conducting polymers and their application to biosensors with an emphasis on foodborne pathogen detection.

Abstract-Consumers expect water supply companies to deliver safe drinking water that meets both health quality standards and aesthetic requirements such as colour, turbidity, taste and odour. Current water quality assessment methods of these parameters, which form the basis for sound water resources management, are mainly laboratory based, require fresh supply of chemicals, trained staff and are time consuming. Real-time water quality monitoring is essential for National and International Health and Safety, as it can significantly reduce the level of damage and also the cost to remedy the problem. This paper critically analyses both commercially available and state-of-the-art research methods and devices suitable for real-time wastewater quality monitoring and suggests further developments in this area. In particular, the focus is made on the monitoring of nitrates and phosphates in wastewater and a novel microwave based method for instantaneous water quality assessment is suggested.Index terms: water quality monitoring, in situ analysis, optical methods, industry, nitrates and phosphates, lab on chip sensors, microwave sensors, solid-state sensors.

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