Electroanalytical Sensing of Copper in Drinking Water Matrices
Presenter: John Emerson
Faculty Sponsor: Sean T. McBeath
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Engineering
Session: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM, 163, C30
ABSTRACT
Large-scale efforts to provide safe drinking water to the general public are crucial and further measures must be taken to prevent heavy metal pollution, such as copper. However, this proves to be a particularly challenging problem since heavy metals are introduced to water after treatment through aged distribution infrastructure, therefore requiring compact, low-cost sensing tools for individual households. This study seeks to develop and optimize an electrochemical sensor for trace level copper detection and quantification. Using a novel 3-in-1 electrode configuration housing a reference, counter, and boron-doped diamond (BDD) working electrode on a single chip, anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were investigated as combined electrochemical techniques for copper sensing. The effect of key ASV/DPV operating conditions, such as electrochemical deposition potential and time, were examined to improve sensor sensitivity and accuracy. As preliminary benchmarking, ASV/DPV parameters using a polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-housed BDD were determined to be 15 min deposition at -1.4 VAg/AgCl. These results provide an informed starting point for work with the 3-in-1 electrode assembly. Currently, 3-in-1 sensor optimization is being performed, with the goal of reducing deposition time while maintaining strong and repeatable signals. Upon establishing these operating conditions, we will yield calibration curves and evaluate accuracy and sensitivity, including establishing the sensor’s limits of detection and quantification. Future tests will include samples containing organic contaminants, to simulate real-world water conditions. Overall, ASV/DPV utilizing 3-in-1 BDD electrodes show promise as a cost-efficient and precise copper sensor in drinking water matrices.