Decentralized electrochemical monitoring of trace metals: from disposable strips to remote electrodes. Plenary lecture

This paper focuses on current developments and future prospects in developing electrochemical stripping methodologies for on-site monitoring of trace metals. Particular attention is given to the replacement of bulky electrodes and cumbersome cells with self-contained test strips. Coupled with a greatly simplified stripping operation and the introduction of high-quality, user-friendly, compact instruments, such innovative disposable metal sensors should accelerate the realization of decentralized clinical and environmental testing of toxic metals. Other stripping-based tools for in situ monitoring, including automated flow systems or remote indwelling electrodes, offer the option of continuous environmental surveillance. Recent examples, including in-office tests for blood lead levels and field screening of contaminated nuclear energy sites, will be discussed.