Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Climate Action (SDG 13)
Water quality monitoring: electrochemical solutions for a cleaner future
Nur Husnina Mohamad Khairi 1 , Nur Azmina Binti Roslan 1 , Nurul Izzah Zainol 1 , Parvina Kandan 1 , Normawati M. Yunus 2 , Siti Fatimah Nur Abdul Aziz 1* 1 School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. 2 Centre for Research in Ionic Liquid (CORIL), Institute of Sustainable Energy and Resources (ISER), Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia. E-mail: fatimahnuraa@usm.my Water contamination by heavy metals, phthalates, and microplastics is a significant environmental and public health challenge. This research introduces alternative electrochemical methods to detect and degrade these pollutants, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): Clean Water and Sanitation. The study focuses on three key areas: The first focus involves the development of a cost-effective platform for detecting heavy metal ions using carbon pencil electrodes modified with silver nanoparticles and protic ionic liquid. Optimization using Central Composite Design/Response Surface Methodology (CCD/RSM) successfully enhances electrode conductivity. Preliminary results indicate that the modified electrode can selectively detect Pb(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) ions. The second focus investigates the green synthesis of bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (M-ZIF-8) via a one- pot process. This material, characterized by high surface area and rigidity, is strategically doped with metal ions to improve its electrochemical conductivity when applied to carbon-based electrodes for the potential detection of phthalate plasticizers such as diethyl phthalate and di-n-butyl phthalate. The third focus examines Ruthenium-doped ZIF-8 as an electrochemical modifier, fabricated onto low-cost 3D graphite felt electrodes. This electrode is employed as an anode for the electrolysis-based degradation of polystyrene microplastics. The dual functionality of metal-doped ZIF-8 composites, enabling both the detection and degradation of pollutants, provides a promising integrated material for addressing multiple sources of contamination. Key words: Heavy metal, ZIF-8, Ionic Liquid, Phthalate plasticizer, Microplastic
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