Abstract
The work described in this paper focuses on how the integration of immunoassay techniques in combination with electrochemical detection can provide a portable and very accurate solution for detection of water pollutants that are detrimental for human health. In particular, we focus our work on the quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in polluted water. Our integrative approach facilitates a real-time detection of this family of organic compounds, by reducing the time of analysis to less than one hour. Additionally, the use of a lab-on-a-chip platform delivers a portable solution that could be used for in situ monitoring.
Optimization of a displacement assay that investigates the presence and concentration of Benzo[a] pyrene (BaP) in water, allows the miniaturization of the standard ELISA format into a highly accurate system that provides fast results. The limits of detection obtained are comparable to those of state-of-the art tools, and achieve the values set by European Drinking Water Directive, 0.01ng/ml, as the limit for Benzo[a] pyrene (BaP) levels in drinking water.