Analysis of toxic metals by micro total analytical systems (μTAS) with chemiluminescence

Abstract

A portable low cost micro total analytical system (μTAS) is described for the environmental analysis of metal cations in natural waters using luminol chemiluminescence. Every element of the analysis can be performed on these devices therefore producing a portable laboratory that can be used for in-field analysis. Miniaturising these devices brings several advantages including low reagent consumption, low volumes of waste produced and an increased in performance. The ability to scale out these devices and produce many low cost μTAS creates a network of in-situ sensors that can provide greater spatial and temporal information for an environmental system. Chemiluminescence is a promising method of detection for μTAS due to its high sensitivity and the simplicity of the measurement technique. © 2005 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.