A Review of Microfluidic Detection Strategies for Heavy Metals in Water

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution of water has become a global issue and is especially problematic in some developing countries. Heavy metals are toxic to living organisms, even at very low concentrations. Therefore, effective and reliable heavy metal detection in environmental water is very important. Current laboratory-based methods used for analysis of heavy metals in water require sophisticated instrumentation and highly trained technicians, making them unsuitable for routine heavy metal monitoring in the environment. Consequently, there is a growing demand for autonomous detection systems that could perform in situ or point-of-use measurements. Microfluidic detection systems, which are defined by their small size, have many characteristics that make them suitable for environmental analysis. Some of these advantages include portability, high sample throughput, reduced reagent consumption and waste generation, and reduced production cost. This review focusses on developments in the application of microfluidic detection systems to heavy metal detection in water. Microfluidic detection strategies based on optical techniques, electrochemical techniques, and quartz crystal microbalance are discussed.

Microfluidic devices for the detection of contamination in water samples: A review

“…Mercury is among the most hazardous heavy metals on human health. Many types of microfluidic devices and μPADs have been reported previously for the detection of Hg(II) in different types of waters like drinking water, water from pond and river, and wastewater from industries [106].…”

Considerations for new manganese analytical techniques for drinking water quality management

“…The field‐testing methods discussed in this review are not unique to Mn. Other metals (e.g., As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Zn, Cu, Ag), as well as water characteristics (e.g., water hardness) have been explored with colorimetric, electrochemical and SPR analysis (Chen et al, 2018; Dalmieda & Kruse, 2019; Doré et al, 2020; Gumpu et al, 2015; Lace & Cleary, 2021; M. Li et al, 2013; Malik et al, 2019; Ramachandran et al, 2019; Wang & Yue, 2017). Sample treatment and methods focused on each parameter must be in the context of other interfering ions.…”

Quantitative analysis of mercury in liquid samples using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with shear thickening fluid

“…[9][10][11] Although these methods have the advantages of high sensitivity and accuracy, they have a complex sample preparation process and require a long time. 12 Compared with these methods, laserinduced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is simpler and faster. LIBS is an atomic spectrum analysis method, 13 which uses a high-energy laser as an excitation source.…”