Heavy metal detection by paper-based analytical microfluidics
Makadil Abdygali
Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Humanities,
Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Email: [email protected]
Abstract
Metal contamination has indicated increasing risk to the earth and general wellbeing of the world. Current
strategies for the heavy metal analysis and detection require costly instrumentation and experienced
personal, which also must be accomplished in specialized research centres. Different types of microfluidic
paper-based analytical devices have been proposed lately as straightforward, low-priced and reusable
alternatives to regular detection methods for heavy metal analysis in developing countries. In this paper,
current advancements in paper-based analytical devices was summarized and the choice of paper substrates,
strategies for paper fabrication, and essential theory behind each of the method were discussed. Secondly,
latest reports on heavy metal analysis, where paper-based microfluidic devices used extensively based on
various detection mechanisms were categorized and compared. Presented methods in this paper are
colorimetric, fluorescent, and electrochemical. To finish, the future advancement and opportunities in this
field are examined.