Carbon paste electrode modified with Al- and Si-rich water treatment sludge for Bisphenol-A detection

The development of new, fast and reliable methods for endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) detection is one of the most prominent challenges for scientists because of its adverse effects on human health and environment. In this work, for the first time drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS), as major sub-products resulting from the treatment of drinking water, was used to develop a new and simple electrochemical sensor for the detection of Bisphenol A (BPA). The sensor was prepared using a simple approach, which consists on mixing graphite powder with an optimum amount of DWTS. The structure properties as well as the electrochemical behaviour of the elaborated sensor were investigated using X-ray Fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The effect of the DWTS content on the catalytic performance of DWTS/CPE was studied. The optimal amount of DWTS that shows the best electrocatalytical activity toward the oxidation of Bisphenol A was at 50%. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the calibration plot is linear in the concentration range between 1 and 100 mu M, with a low limit of detection of 0.1 mu M. The proposed sensor was successfully tested for the detection of BPA in baby pacifier sample with promising conclusions.

Automated summary

This study developed a new and simple electrochemical sensor for the detection of Bisphenol A (BPA) using drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS). The sensor showed a linear response in the concentration range of 1-100 mu M, with a low limit of detection of 0.1 mu M. The sensor was successfully used for the detection of BPA in baby pacifier samples.