A Novel Electrochemical Detection Strategy for Heavy Metal Monitoring

65562 Heavy metal contamination is a major problem at both DOE sites and private sector operations, such as mining and metal finishing. This project will develop a new method for electrochemical monitoring of heavy metals in water, improving the reliability and portability of standard electrochemical methods. The approach involves resistance measurements during the electrochemical deposition and stripping of metals, and the resulting monitoring system will be compact, portable, and low-cost. Phase I fabricated miniaturized monitoring devices on a chip, proved the technical feasibility of the new method, and characterized it under a variety of conditions including analyte concentration, pH, ionic strength. The sensitivity and detection limit for the new method were compared to standard anodic stripping voltammetry. During Phase II, the methods and apparatus proven feasible in Phase I will be refined and optimized to produce a robust, sensitive system for the reliable monitoring of toxic heavy metals. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as by the awardee: The sampling and monitoring system should be applicable to surface and subsurface water contamination problems relevant to DOE needs. Examples of potential private sector applications include monitoring emissions at metal plating facilities, on-site analysis of ground water quality, and on-line monitoring of municipal drinking and waste water.