Electroactive microorganisms are now understood to be
abundant
across nature, though many are categorized as “weak electricigens”
not suitable for reasonable power generation. We report the use of
weak electricigens from the natural environment for rapid, real-time
water quality monitoring. Using a variety of pesticides as model chemical
pollutants, the bioelectrochemical sensor was responsive within minutes
at all concentrations tested (0.05–2 ppm) and could be repreatedly
used long-term. Due to the prevalence of electroactive microorganisms
in the natural environment, such sensors could work in tandem with
conventional monitoring methods and may be useful for detecting emerging
contaminants.