Electrochemical Detection of Manganese in Drinking Water Distribution Systems
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Authors
Pei, Yu
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Manganese , Drinking water distribution systems , Electrochemical sensor , Analytical chemistry
Alternative Title
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) was previously only considered as an aesthetic issue in drinking water; however, recent epidemiologic evidence suggests that excessive exposure can cause negative neurological impacts, especially in children. In Canada, new drinking water guidelines (2019) and regulations in some provinces have increased interest in measuring and managing manganese in drinking water. The nature of Mn events in drinking water distribution systems can be sporadic and difficult to predict, with conventional detection methods being limited in their ability to provide flexible in-line Mn monitoring (e.g., inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry), due to high capital cost and long turn-around time. Therefore, there is an urgent need for methods that are rapid, portable, and low-cost, which could be introduced to water distribution systems at multiple locations for in-line and/or off-line monitoring. To develop a method that can determine Mn rapidly, portably, and low-cost, we have explored several emerging electrochemical and mechanical sensing methods towards addressing the requirements such as sensitivity, robustness, and speed of detection. Mn2+ is one of the most common species of Mn in drinking water and other species can be converted to Mn2+ for detection. This thesis presents several studies in developing new methods for detecting Mn2+. The studies pushed the boundaries in pursuing better sensitivity, selectivity, and robustness by employing different techniques and materials. Using electrochemically deposited gold nanoparticle on graphene (AuNPs/GP) electrode material and cathodic stripping voltammetry, the detection sensitivity was further improved by 28% than bare glassy carbon screen-printed electrode. There are also signal interference challenges from intermetallic species limiting the ability to measure Mn2+ accurately. Therefore, we have designed and tested two new proof-of-concept methods. One is to combine an electrochemical method with a mechanical sensing method. The other is to perform multiplexed pattern recognition using electrodes at different voltages. The multiplex pattern recognition method has shown promises and built-up foundation for further development of tools for Mn2+ monitoring. Further studies can potentially expand the method to detect different Mn species in the future.
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Attribution 4.0 International
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
Proquest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owne
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
Proquest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owne