A Modified Sensor for Trace Level Detection of As(III)

High concentrations of arsenic are carcinogenic and poisonous to humans, and it is useful to be able to quantify these levels in waters that are used for human consumption. Since As(III) is the more toxic form (about 10X) of the metalloid, its speciation is required to understand its biogeochemical cycling and potential water toxicity. Specific techniques employed to evaluate arsenic concentrations vary and electrochemical analysis, particularly on a voltammetric platform such as anodic stripping voltammetry, is one means of analytical measurement techniques for inorganic arsenic in the lll and V oxidation states in the environment. Techniques such as anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) are sensitive, selective and inexpensive. Studying As(III) at carbon-based screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) is not a straightforward analysis, and the project will modify commercially-available screen printed electrodes to enable As detection. The performance of the electrochemical technique will also be compared to the more commonly-used hydride generation method as performance evaluation.