A high-sensitive and durable electrochemical sensor based on Geobacter-dominated biofilms for heavy metal toxicity detection

Abstract

A highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for detecting low concentrations of heavy metals (Cd2+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+) based on Geobacter-dominated biofilms was developed. The biosensor showed a high sensitivity for the determination of Cd2+ (109.7 μAμM−1cm−2) and the determination of Pb2+ (161.7 μAμM−1cm−2). The performance of three fitting models for biosensor response to heavy metal toxicity was investigated based on the relationship between total coulomb yield and heavy metal concentration. The full-area model (Equation a) provided the best fit, and the response times tended to be the fastest based on the peak current model (Equation c). Recovery methods were proposed to ensure the electrical activity of the biofilm for long-term monitoring. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the most dominant genus in the anodic biofilm was Geobacter (44.1%–45.8%), indicating a stable community structure after continuous toxicity shock for 22 days. The confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) further proved the restorable and reusability of the biosensor. Thanks to the thin and electrically active Geobacter-dominated biofilms, it could be a good alternative biosensor for groundwater analysis etc. The results of this study contribute to the development of a highly sensitive and accurate biosensor with long-term usage towards on-site monitoring of heavy metals at low concentrations, improving the test performance of the biosensor for practical application.