Simultaneous electrochemical detection of heavy metal ions using a sol–gel synthesized BiVO₄ nanosphere modified electrode and its antimicrobial activity

This study explores the development of an advanced electrochemical sensor designed for the simultaneous detection of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺ ions. The sensor utilizes sol-gel-synthesized bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) nanospheres, which are integrated onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and employs square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) for electrochemical determination of heavy metal ions. The as-prepared sensor demonstrated exceptional analytical performance and offered a wide linear detection range from 0 μM to 110 μM, along with low detection limits of 2.75 μM for Cd²⁺, 2.32 μM for Pb²⁺, 2.72 μM for Cu²⁺, and 1.20 μM for Hg²⁺ ions. These characteristics made the sensor highly suitable for precise monitoring of heavy metal contamination in both environmental and industrial samples. Beyond their sensing capabilities, the BiVO₄ nanospheres also exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains such as <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>, as well as fungal strains like <i>C. albicans</i> and <i>C. parapsilosis</i>. This antimicrobial effect was attributed to the enhanced surface reactivity and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which disrupt microbial cellular functions. This dual-functional approach highlighted the substantial progress in both electrochemical sensing and antimicrobial applications. This research presents a strong platform for tackling urgent challenges in environmental monitoring and microbial control.