Abstract
Heavy metals such as lead and arsenic exist in drinking water sources worldwide, largely as a result of industrial spills, mining, and other environmental contamination events. When ingested, even in very small amounts, these metals can cause biological damage, including but not limited to brain damage and cancers. Often these impacts occur in rural and/or agricultural communities, exacerbating existing equity issues. Heavy metal detection methods exist, but most require a skilled professional, limiting the utility of these methods in remote locations. To be useful, a platform must be sensitive and specific, having an appropriately low limit of detection and accurately distinguishing lead and arsenic from other naturally occurring, benign species. Building on the work of Marei et al, 2019, here we describe advances in using an electrochemical method for detection and quantification of lead and arsenic in water sources, in pursuit of an affordable, remotely-operated measurement platform. We focus specifically on the electrode materials, comparing carbon, gold, and platinum printed electrodes. When optimized and affordably fabricated, this platform will allow for remote detection and quantification of heavy metals, enabling regular monitoring in at-risk areas at risk for contamination.
Semester/Year of Award
Spring 2022
Mentor
Judith L. Jenkins
Mentor Department Affiliation
Chemistry
Access Options
Restricted Access Thesis
Document Type
Bachelor Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Department
Chemistry
Recommended Citation
Rogers, Katherine E., "Electrochemical Methods for Detection and Quantification of Metals in Drinking Water" (2022). Honors Theses. 879.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/879
