Citation:

Rogers, K R. AND R Pearson. ELECTROCHEMICAL TECHNIQUE FOR TNT USING DISPOSABLE SCREEN-PRINTED ELECTRODE. Presented at 8th International Meeting on Chemical Sensors, Basel, Switzerland, July 2-5, 2000.

Impact/Purpose:

The overall objective of this task is to develop scientifically sound sampling and bioanalytical approaches for screening and monitoring of hazardous wastes. These techniques are expected to provide the Agency with improved screening and field portable methods to characterize, reduce, and control risk to human health and the environment. Specific objectives will include development and characterization of the following concepts:

SPMDs for passive accumulation of TICs

Bioassays for toxic and genotoxic compounds

MIPs for volatile and semivolatile toxic organics

Rapid screening assays using the previously listed components.

Description:

Screen-printed thick film electrodes are demonstrated as voltammetric sensors for measurement of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). The square wave voltammetric (SWV) scan technique is used to measure TNT in as little as 50 uL sample volumes. This electrochemical assay is coupled with a solid phase extraction (SPE) protocol using 3M Empore SDB-RPS membranes. The explosive is extracted from the membrane using acetonitrile, which showed little effect on the assay at a final concentration of 10%. The coupling of SPE and SWV with the use of disposable electrodes results in a dynamic assay range of 2 ppb to 2 ppm for TNT. The application of this method to environmental samples will also be discussed. The simplicity, rapidity, cost-effectiveness and sensitivity of this assay make it an excellent candidate for development as a field analytical method.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Office of Research and Development (ORD), funded this research and approved this abstract as a basis for an oral presentation. The actual presentation has not been peer reviewed by EPA.

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