Hybrid electrochemical/microfluidic monitors for trace heavy metals

摘要

Abstract: We report on development of microscale sensing devices for toxic heavy metals. These sensors-on-a-chip feature coupling of a microfluidic channel system with sensitive electrochemical detection to analyze heavy metals in aqueous samples. We have demonstrated ppb level heavy metal detection and are currently working to address detection in multianalyte mixtures, using anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). Pb and Hg detection were facile and sensitive at this device, using a gold microband electrode and exploiting the hydrodynamic features of the device to facilitate preconcentration. Metals could be easily detected in the presence of large nitrate and acid backgrounds, e.g., 0.1 M nitric acid and in the presence of oxygen. !17