Open AccessA Review of State‐of‐the‐Art Microfluidic Technologies for Environmental Applications: Detection and Remediation
Author(s) -
Yew Maxine,
Ren Yong,
Koh Kai Seng,
Sun Chenggong,
Snape Colin
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
global challenges
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2056-6646
DOI - 10.1002/gch2.201800060
Subject(s) - microfluidics , environmental remediation , environmental analysis , nanotechnology , microfluidic chip , environmental monitoring , environmental science , biochemical engineering , process engineering , computer science , contamination , engineering , environmental engineering , materials science , chemistry , ecology , chromatography , biology
Abstract Microfluidic systems have advanced beyond natural and life science applications and lab‐on‐a‐chip uses. A growing trend of employing microfluidic technologies for environmental detection has emerged thanks to the precision, time‐effectiveness, and cost‐effectiveness of advanced microfluidic systems. This paper reviews state‐of‐the‐art microfluidic technologies for environmental applications, such as on‐site environmental monitoring and detection. Microdevices are extensively used in collecting environmental samples as a means to facilitate detection and quantification of targeted components with minimal quantities of samples. Likewise, microfluidic‐inspired approaches for separation and treatment of contaminated water and air, such as the removal of heavy metals and waterborne pathogens from wastewater and carbon capture are also investigated.