Microfabricated electrochemical analysis system for heavy metal detection

A low power, hand-held system has been developed for the measurement of heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions. The system consists of an electrode array sensor, a high performance single chip potentiostat and a microcontroller circuit. The sensor is a microfabricated array of iridium electrodes, onto which a thin film of mercury is electroplated. Quantitative heavy metal analysis is performed using square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Measured results show a one part-per-billion sensitivity and multiple use capability.