The application of screen-printed electrodes and bath – injection cells for real-time and in-site voltammetric analysis of heavy metals

Abstract This study aims to develop and experimentally implement a novel portable electrochemical sensor based on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) and an original bath-injection electrochemical cell for real-time environmental monitoring of pollutants. The scientific novelty of this work lies in the design of a simplified yet highly effective electrochemical cell that eliminates the need for a liquid carrier through an innovative self-washing mechanism using excess sample volume. This feature significantly reduces system complexity and enhances sensor reliability in field applications. The advantages of microfluidic technologies in the development of SPCE-based sensors are highlighted, and detailed protocols for modifying SPCEs with mercury, bismuth, and gold films are presented. Surface characterization is supported by micrographs, ensuring reproducibility of the electrode surface and analytical results. Voltammograms for various individual ions and their mixtures are provided, along with the corresponding electrode modifications and analytical conditions. The developed system demonstrates a broad linear concentration range and a detection limit as low as 5–10 μg/L. Field trials of the sensor were conducted using water samples from the Zeravshan river, a major source of drinking water in the region. Elevated concentrations of several toxic ions were detected, with the results confirmed by atomic absorption and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The proposed sensor system proves to be a promising solution for on-site pollutant detection under limited infrastructure conditions, supporting rapid response to both anthropogenic and natural environmental emergencies.

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