3. Photosynthesis-based biosensors
It is generally agreed that a need exists for the development of rapid, simple and low-cost toxicity screening procedures for the detection of toxic chemicals in aquatic and soil environments (Rawsonet al., 1987). Photosynthetic organisms are located at the basis of the ecosystems, but they are also the primary target for most toxic pollutants. Based on these findings, the application of photosynthetic material as biological receptor in biosensors provides an excellent tool for a cheap and effective detection of a wide range of life-threatening pollutants.