Biodegradable Sensors in Environmental Monitoring

The increasing need for sustainable and eco-friendly environmental monitoring solutions has driven advancements in biodegradable sensor technology. Traditional sensors, while effective in collecting data on soil health, pollution levels, and climate patterns, contribute to electronic waste (e-waste) and environmental degradation due to their reliance on non-renewable materials and energy sources. This research introduces the concept of Biodegradable Bioelectric Soil Sensors (BBS-Sensors)—a novel sensor technology designed to eliminate battery dependency by utilizing plant-root bioelectricity as a self-sustaining power source. Unlike conventional sensors, BBS-Sensors are fully biodegradable, ensuring they decompose into nutrient-rich compounds that enhance soil fertility rather than contribute to waste accumulation. Through an extensive review of existing biodegradable sensor technologies, this study explores the current limitations in power sustainability, scalability, environmental adaptability, and industrial adoption. The BBS-Sensor is proposed as an innovative alternative, leveraging bioelectricity from plant roots to provide a self-sustaining, zero-waste solution for precision agriculture and environmental monitoring. Findings suggest that BBS-Sensors can play a significant role in advancing climate-smart agriculture, soil health restoration, and sustainable environmental conservation. However, barriers such as scalability, energy efficiency, regulatory frameworks, and industrial viability must be addressed for widespread implementation. Future research should focus on enhancing bioelectric energy harvesting, integrating AI-powered analytics, and optimizing cost-effective production techniques. This study contributes to the growing body of research in biodegradable electronics, offering a transformative approach to environmental monitoring and sustainability. KEYWORDS: biodegradable sensors, environmental monitoring, sustainability, water quality, soil health, climate change and natural ecosystems