Electroanalytical Detection of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) Ions Using a Novel Microbial Sensor

Abstract : A microbial sensor, namely carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with Citrobacter freundii (Cf-CPE) has been developed for the detection of hexavalent (Cr(VI)) and trivalent (Cr(III)) chromium present in aqueous samples using voltammetry, an electroanalytical technique. The biosensor developed, demonstrated about a twofold higher performance as compared to the bare CPE for the chosen ions. Using cyclic voltammetry and by employing the fabricated Cf-CPE, the lowest limit of detection (LLOD) of 1x10(-4) M and 5x10(-4) M for Cr(VI) and Cr(III) ions respectively could be achieved. By adopting the Differential Pulse Cathodic Stripping Voltammetric technique, the LLOD could be further improved to 1x10(-9) M and 1x10(-7) M for Cr(VI) and Cr(III) ions respectively using the biomodified electrodes. The reactions occurring at the electrode surface-chromium solution interface and the mechanisms of biosorption of chromium species onto the biosensor are discussed. The stability and utility of the developed biosensor for the analysis of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) ions in chromite mine water samples has been evaluated.