In-situ sensing of hazardous heavy metal ions through an ecofriendly scheme

We report here a low cost and environment friendly assessment procedure of detection of hazardous lead ions in aqueous medium. To visualize this detection, we have used biocompatible materials like chitosan, PVA and gold nanoparticles, synthesized by a green approach. For selective binding of lead ions, gold nanoparticles are functionalized with glutathione. Taking U-shaped optical fiber as sensor probe, it is coated with chitosan-PVA matrix and then with functionalized gold nanoparticles. Based on intensity modulation scheme, this sensor probe yields highly selective response towards lead ions with an excellent sensitivity of 0.23 mV/ ppb at an optimized pH level. This is further authenticated by incorporation of real sample testing. Limit of detection is found to be 1 ppb with linear range 1-7 ppb. It is envisioned that this reported scheme will be widely acceptable because of its ease portability, rapid detection and cost effectiveness.

Automated summary

A low cost and environment friendly assessment procedure for the detection of hazardous lead ions in aqueous medium is reported in this study. By using biocompatible materials and gold nanoparticles, functionalized for selective binding of lead ions, a highly selective response with excellent sensitivity was achieved on a U-shaped optical fiber sensor probe. Validation with real sample testing confirmed the effectiveness of this approach with a detection limit of 1 ppb and a linear range of 1-7 ppb. The ease portability, rapid detection, and cost effectiveness make this scheme widely acceptable.