Chemosensors 2014, 2(2), 131-144; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors2020131
Electrochemical Detection with Preconcentration: Nitroenergetic Contaminants
Brandy J. Johnson 1,*
, Mansoor Nasir 2,†, Ronald L. Siefert 3,†, Iwona A. Leska 4, Jeffrey S. Erickson 1, Paul T. Charles 1, Brian J. Melde 1 and Jenna R. Taft 4
, Mansoor Nasir 2,†, Ronald L. Siefert 3,†, Iwona A. Leska 4, Jeffrey S. Erickson 1, Paul T. Charles 1, Brian J. Melde 1 and Jenna R. Taft 41
Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
2
Biomedical Engineering, Lawrence Technical University, Southfield, MI 48075, USA
3
US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402, USA
4
NOVA Research Incorporated, Alexandria, VA 22308, USA
â€
Formerly at US Naval Research Laboratory. These authors contributed equally to this work.
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 25 November 2013 / Revised: 23 May 2014 / Accepted: 28 May 2014 / Published: 10 June 2014
Abstract
This effort evaluated the potential of two prototype devices for enhanced electrochemical detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and dinitrotoluene (DNT) following preconcentration using an organosilicate sorbent. The bench-scale prototype provides adsorption of the targets from aqueous solution followed by elution in a mixture of methanol and potassium chloride (KCl). Following elution, the eluant is diluted using an aqueous KCl solution to provide sufficient electrolyte for electrochemical analysis. Concentrations of methanol greater than 50% were detrimental to sensor performance and lifetime. Calibration of the electrochemical sensor was completed and results of electrochemical analysis were compared to those of HPLC analysis over a range of concentrations and in varied matrices. TNT detection was found to be consistent and detection limits were improved from 200 ppb to 3 ppb depending on the sample volume utilized. DNT detection showed higher variability and significantly greater false response rates. On the basis of these results, a second, more advanced, prototype was developed and utilized in limited field trials with the intention of moving the technology toward in situ applications. View Full-TextKeywords:
nitroenergetic; trinitrotoluene; dinitrotoluene; solid phase extraction; organosilica; environmental monitoring; field trials
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Johnson, B.J.; Nasir, M.; Siefert, R.L.; Leska, I.A.; Erickson, J.S.; Charles, P.T.; Melde, B.J.; Taft, J.R. Electrochemical Detection with Preconcentration: Nitroenergetic Contaminants. Chemosensors 2014, 2, 131-144.
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