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Title: On-site in-situ determination of heavy metals in groundwater using an electrochemically-based sensor

Conference ·
OSTI ID:613753
; ;  [1]
  1. Tufts Univ., Medford, MA (United States); and others

An electrochemically-based probe has been developed for rapid in-situ or on-site detection of heavy metals in contaminated groundwater. The transducer consists of a microlithographically fabricated iridium ultramicroelectrode array (UMEA) which is used in conjunction with the high speed electrochemical preconcentration technique of square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The UMEA is connected to an integrated potentiostat which is controlled by a laptop computer. The entire probe, measuring only two inches in diameter, can be inserted downhole to measure such metal ions as Cu, Cd, Ph, and Zn, at the parts-per-billion level. The utility of this probe for rapid on site screening of metals was shown by conducting a proof-of-concept field demonstration at a metals-contaminated site at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. Sampling was performed both, directly in-situ, and on-site by bringing the sample to the surface. Acidified samples where also taken back to the laboratory where they were measured both electrochemically using a mercury film glassy carbon electrode with SWASV, and by ICP Spectroscopy using EPA method 200.7. Excellent correlation was obtained between all of the measurement techniques, and the data for total and ionic forms was also in good agreement.

OSTI ID:
613753
Report Number(s):
CONF-970113-; TRN: 98:001739-0003
Resource Relation:
Conference: Field analytical methods for hazardous wastes and toxic chemicals conference, Las Vegas, NV (United States), 29-31 Jan 1997; Other Information: PBD: 1997; Related Information: Is Part Of Field analytical methods for hazardous wastes and toxic chemicals; PB: 909 p.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English