Researchers have developed a portable, user-friendly sensor that can quickly detect lead in drinking water, offering a practical tool for communities to monitor contamination without needing a laboratory.
Study: Community-Wide Monitoring of Lead in Drinking Water Distribution Systems Using Hand-Held Voltammetric Sensors and Geographic Information Systems. Image Credit: anomaly026/Shutterstock.com
Why it Matters
Lead contamination in drinking water continues to pose serious health risks, particularly in older homes with outdated plumbing. Although the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently lowered the lead action level from 15 to 10 parts per billion (ppb), regular testing remains limited.
Current gold-standard methods like inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) are accurate but costly, time-consuming, and require specialized lab facilities.
That gap has prompted researchers to explore electrochemical sensors as a more accessible alternative. These systems, particularly those enhanced with nanostructured materials, show promise thanks to their sensitivity, portability, and ease of use. Among them, sensors modified with gold nanoparticles have shown strong potential for detecting lead at low concentrations.
A Closer Look at the Study
In a new study published in ACS Omega, scientists introduced a voltammetric sensor platform—nicknamed the E-Tongue—designed specifically for rapid, on-site lead testing in drinking water. At the heart of the system is a screen-printed carbon electrode, enhanced with gold nanostars synthesized using a HEPES-based method. This nanostructuring significantly boosts the sensor’s ability to detect trace levels of lead.
To ensure accurate and stable readings, the team used a sodium acetate buffer (0.1 M, pH 4.5). The sensor connects to a compact, handheld potentiostat and an Android app, which includes step-by-step instructions in both expert and beginner modes. From inserting the water sample to reading the result, the entire process takes less than five minutes.
The detection method relies on differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), with lead ions identified by a distinct current peak near -0.2 V. A clear calibration curve was established for concentrations ranging from 5 to 200 ppb, enabling straightforward quantification.
Real-World Testing and Performance
To validate the system, researchers collected tap water samples from four Massachusetts towns: Andover, Lawrence, Dracut, and Lowell. They compared the E-Tongue’s readings against EPA-certified methods like ICP-MS and AAS. Additional water quality metrics—such as pH, turbidity, and conductivity—were also recorded to examine the role of local chemistry in lead detection.
The results were encouraging. The E-Tongue detected lead concentrations as low as 1.6 ppb, well beneath EPA limits. Recovery rates compared with lab standards ranged from 84 % to 105 %, showing strong accuracy even in complex water samples. The device also performed consistently across repeated tests, with less than 10 % variation, and showed minimal interference from high copper levels, a common contaminant in plumbing systems.
Beyond accuracy, the device’s speed and ease of use stood out. Results appeared in minutes, and a color-coded interface made interpretation intuitive, even for non-specialists.
Mapping Contamination and Supporting Action
Water quality varied significantly across the four towns. Andover’s samples, for instance, had higher pH and conductivity, while Lawrence’s were closer to neutral. Some locations showed lead levels above EPA limits, reinforcing the need for regular testing.
The team also used geographic information system (GIS) tools to visualize contamination levels on community maps, helping identify hotspots where targeted remediation might be needed. This integration of sensor data with digital mapping adds a valuable layer for public health decision-making.
What This Means Going Forward
The E-Tongue offers a compelling option for decentralized, community-level monitoring of drinking water. Its combination of nanomaterial-enhanced sensitivity, smartphone connectivity, and ease of use makes it accessible to non-experts without sacrificing scientific rigor.
While not a replacement for lab-based methods, it could serve as a powerful supplement, particularly in underserved areas or during emergency response. And by putting testing tools directly in the hands of residents, it encourages public engagement and faster action in the face of contamination.
Journal Reference
Bozkurt Y. C., Haque A.-M., et al. (2025). Community-Wide Monitoring of Lead in Drinking Water Distribution Systems Using Hand-Held Voltammetric Sensors and Geographic Information Systems. ACS Omega, 10, 19096−19106. DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c01580., https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c01580