Heavy Metal Detection with Bismuth Film Electrode

The purpose of this project is to extend the application of stripping square-wave voltammetry to allow for the detection of various heavy metals in water samples, to include lead, cadmium, and zinc contaminants. Glassy carbon bismuth film electrodes proved to be more reliable than screen printed carbon electrodes for detection of heavy metals. Parameters were optimized to allow for the quantification of lead, zinc, and cadmium simultaneously in tap water along with an unknown Fromm water sample. Cadmium and thallium were found to be present at the same potential on the voltammogram; this prevented simultaneous detection of both metals. Bismuth coated electrode was also used to detect europium for the first time. Europium exhibited a linear response in peak height with respect to increased europium concentration. With further optimization, bismuth-film electrodes can be used to detect various heavy metal pollutants simultaneously. As less toxic and more environmentally safe than mercury-based electrodes, the bismuth film electrode has proven to be a viable alternative tool for the detection of heavy metal contaminants.