Design and Fabrication of Microfluidic Electrochemical Sensor for Lead Detection in Drinking Water

Abstract

This research aimed to enhance microfluidic electrochemical sensors for water quality analysis by simplifying fabrication and leveraging secondary flow effects. Using low-cost materials and laser-cutting techniques, sensors were constructed and characterized. Graphene-carbon paste electrodes were utilized. Through statistical analysis, curved channels significantly improved sensor response due to Dean vorticity formation, enhancing analyte-electrode interaction. Square wave voltammetry demonstrated superior lead detection in curved-channel sensors over straight channels, confirmed by calibration curves using deionized and real water samples. For lead detection, the curved-channel sensor achieved a detection limit of 2.26 µg/L and a sensitivity of 0.0332 µA/(µg/L), surpassing the straight-channel sensor's performance. This research offers a cost-effective, easy-to-fabricate, and modifier-free option for heavy metal detection, particularly lead, in drinking water.