Phosphate Detection through a Cost-Effective Carbon Black Nanoparticle-Modified Screen-Printed Electrode Embedded in...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Phosphate monitoring is crucial for water quality assessment.
• Existing methods for phosphate detection can be time-consuming and complex.
• Need for rapid, continuous, and field-deployable phosphate monitoring systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an automated flow system for continuous phosphate monitoring.
• To utilize an amperometric detection method with a miniaturized sensor.
• To enhance sensor performance using carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs).

Main Methods:

• Development of an automatable flow system for continuous analysis.
• Amperometric detection based on the electroactive phosphomolybdate complex.
• Use of screen-printed electrodes modified with carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs).
• Optimization of analytical parameters including potential, reagent concentration, cell type, and flow rate.

Main Results:

• Quantification of phosphate at a low potential (+125 mV vs Ag/AgCl) due to CBNPs' electrocatalytic effect.
• Achieved a low detection limit of 6 μM for phosphate.
• Demonstrated good recovery percentages (89–131.5%) in various water samples.
• System showed no fouling problems during long-term monitoring.

Conclusions:

• The developed automated flow system provides a sensitive and reliable method for continuous phosphate monitoring.
• The use of CBNP-modified electrodes enhances sensor performance and allows for low-potential detection.
• The system is suitable for rapid, field-based phosphate measurements in different water sources.