Electrochemical detection

This chapter presents electrochemical and electrical methods of the detection of waterborne pathogens. The first sections explain the different technologies; this is then followed by a review of the existing literature to highlight how these approaches have been applied to pathogen detection, with a particular focus on waterborne pathogens. The literature review reveals that while many of the technologies discussed have been applied to viruses, bacteria, and protozoa there has been little specific focus on waterborne pathogens. Additionally, a detailed analysis of the benefits, limitations, and challenges of this range of electrical detection methods for waterborne pathogen monitoring applications is given. The need for reproducible, well-characterised systems, based on sounds statistical analysis, was noted as a particular challenge facing this type of technology. Finally, the chapter finishes with a summary and future outlook.