Abstract
Conventional high throughput methods assaying the chemical state of water and the risk of heavy metal accumulation share common constraints of long and expensive analytical procedures and dedicated laboratories due to the typical bulky instrumentation. To overcome these limitations, a miniaturized optical system for the detection and quantification of inorganic mercury (Hg2+) in water was developed. Combining the bioactivity of a light-emitting mercury-specific engineered Escherichia coli—used as sensing element—with the optical performance of small size and inexpensive Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM)—used as detector—the system is able to detect mercury in low volumes of water down to the concentration of 1 µg L−1, which is the tolerance value indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO), providing a highly sensitive and miniaturized tool for in situ water quality analysis.
Highlights
The chemical state of water intended for human usage needs a thorough and constant analysis in order to prevent any negative consequences for public health
The Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) consisted of 6.07 × 6.07 mm2 (MICROFJ-60035) with 22,292 cells and was purchased from ON Semiconductors
Samples were incubated with E. coli at 37 ◦ C for 2 h, after which the signal was acquired for about 100 s
Summary
The chemical state of water intended for human usage (drinking, domestic, and recreational in general) needs a thorough and constant analysis in order to prevent any negative consequences for public health. Chemical pollutants such as pesticides, salts, toxins, drugs, and metals are, frequently released in ground and surface water becoming a cause of concern for population safety and preservation of natural resources [1,2]. Very soft water [3], high concentrations of soluble sulfates, chlorides, and natural organic matter [4], as well as dissolved oxygen [5] can dramatically affect pipe corrosion. At low pH conditions, carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid causing corrosion when combined with iron [6]
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