Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Beets In Detection of Heavy Metals

This manuscript describes synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by utilizing beet juice. These synthesized AgNPs were coated onto the working carbon electrode which involved an electrochemistry experiment utilizing Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (SWASV) to detect heavy metals lead and cadmium in solution. For centuries, silver has been known to have effective bactericidal properties and has been used for the treatment for infection in burns, open wounds, and chronic ulcer. The purpose of this lab experiment study was to synthesize and utilize the AgNPs using a green synthesis technique from beets which are nontoxic to modify the carbon working electrode to electrochemically detect toxic metals, major heavy metals polluting waters. This sensor has been developed for the sensitive and selective detection of Pb and Cd by Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry, SWASV.