Application of Oil-Sensitive Microalgae in Novel Biosensors for Monitoring Southern Iranian Coasts

The southern coastal waters of Iran, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, are ecologically sensitive areas facing significant threats from oil pollution due to intensive petroleum exploration, transportation, and industrial activities. Conventional monitoring methods often lack real-time responsiveness and cost-effectiveness, necessitating innovative detection technologies. This review explores the application of microalgae-based biosensors as promising tools for rapid, sensitive, and eco-friendly monitoring of hydrocarbon contamination. We discuss the biological responses of key microalgal species to petroleum hydrocarbons, advances in biosensor design including immobilization techniques and signal transduction, and recent technological integrations such as microfluidics, nanomaterials, and genetic engineering. Challenges related to environmental variability, long-term stability, and calibration are also addressed. Finally, emerging opportunities involving Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks are highlighted as critical for developing autonomous, real-time coastal monitoring systems. This comprehensive overview underscores the potential of microalgal biosensors to enhance marine environmental surveillance and support sustainable management of Iran’s southern coastal ecosystems.

کلیدواژه ها:

Microalgae biosensors ، Oil pollution monitoring ، Hydrocarbon detection ، Southern coastal Iran