Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

Detecting Lead Ions in Drinking Water Using the Belmont Electrochemical Analysis Research System

Publication Date

2024

College

Sciences and Mathematics, College of

Department

Chemistry and Physics, Department of

BURS Faculty Advisor

Dr. Thom Spence

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Abstract

Heavy metal ions have been a recent topic of environmental concern due to their toxicity to humans and their prevalence in various sources. Particularly, lead is a toxic heavy metal that has been pervasive in infrastructure and industrial wastewater. Such lead contamination can have significant health implications on people exposed to it, including organ damage, physical degeneration, and some cancers. Lead is particularly pernicious as it accumulates in the body and chronic exposure to even very low levels can have negative health effects. Thus, there is an increased need for sensitive lead detection and removal techniques. Currently, atomic absorption spectroscopy or mass spectrometry are the two most common techniques used for heavy metal detection at the sub ppm level. Unfortunately, these two techniques require sophisticated and costly instrumentation, with instruments commonly costing more than $50,000. Electrochemical detection, on the other hand, can be at least as sensitive as atomic absorption spectrometry with hardware that much less expensive (< $300). Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection usually involves anodic stripping voltammetry where a metal is electroplated onto an inert electrode over several minutes and then rapidly stripped off by ramping the potential of the electrode above the reduction potential of the metal. Advanced techniques, like square-wave stripping voltammetry have dramatically improved sensitivities by reducing capacitive charging that can mask weak currents generated at low analyte concentrations. These techniques can be implemented using standard hardware and specialized software. In this study, the Belmont Electrochemical Analysis Research System (BEARS) was developed and used to detect lead in various drinking water samples. The BEARS device was determined to be able to detect lead in drinking water at concentrations as low as 12.1 parts per billion. Further work is being done to increase the efficiency of drinking water analysis by being able to run two samples at once using the BEARS Duo H20. Also, a new analytical interface was developed to make graphing drinking water sample scans more accessible and efficient. These findings expand upon current heavy metal ion detection, providing a cost-effective, sensitive, efficient tool for detecting lead in drinking water to promote the health and safety of communities impacted by contamination.

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